Freshers flu is the umbrella term to describe the various assortment of illnesses that students contract during the first few weeks of class. Freshers Flu tends to be associated with sicknesses like the common cold, the flu, or a sore throat.
The experience of Freshers Flu varies from person to person. Samantha, a first year media communications student at Newcastle University said that she felt “very tired, my head felt really heavy, kinda foggy and I had a stuffy nose”. Another Newcastle student, Sarah, who studies international relations mentions that her experience included “a stuffy nose, headaches and shivering all the time.”
When asked about whether her classmates had potentially contracted Freshers Flu, Sarah responded “many people cough and sneeze and take breaks during class”. The aftermath of Freshers Flu affects even the university experience.
Why does it occur?
When asked why do you think you got Freshers Flu Samantha replied “I wasn’t properly clothed, the weather in Newcastle is different to what I’m used to.” Sarah mentioned she went out “multiple days of the week”. Both Samantha’s and Sarah’s answers are plausible answers, but there are more factors at play.
Freshers flu happens during the beginning of the academic year, where there is a heavy influx of students coming in, eager to study. Then there are the multiple events taking place during the first week, Freshers Week. Students tend to go out repeatedly during this period and tend to produce larger crowds than usual in bars and clubs.
Combine that with the eagerness of new students to go out, and meet new people, make new friends and experience new things. Student contact with each other explodes during the first few weeks, especially for new students. For many this is the first time living away from their families, and for others it’s their first time living alone outside their home country.
Whatever the case, their immune system is likely to be unfamiliar with germs in the new environment. Combine this once again with people coming from all over the place bringing new germs as well, and you get the perfect environment for sickness to develop.
Symptoms
According to The Independent Pharmacy UK these are the most common symptoms for Freshers Flu:
- Blocked or runny nose
- Coughing
- Fatigue and general tiredness
- Headaches and fever
- Nausea
- Sore Throat
The symptoms tend to vary from person to person and not everyone gets all of the symptoms mentioned above. If one is a student during the first few weeks of the academic year, and has any of these symptoms, it’s very likely it’s a case of the Fresher Flu.
Treatment
There is no real actual treatment for Freshers Flu, as it is not one specific illness but multiple ones. Regardless, there are still multiple steps one can take to mitigate the effects of Freshers Flu or even avoid it altogether.
Proper rest
Students tend to go out repeatedly and nonstop during Freshers week. Having proper rest and sleep allows your body to recover and less likely to catch Freshers Flu
Proper hydration
Ensuring you’re always properly hydrated allows your body to work at its fullest capacity. Freshers week is known for students going all out and drinking massive amounts of alcohol. Drinking plenty of water should help keep your body hydrated and working better.
Healthy diet
Having a consistent healthy diet will allow your immune system to work at full capacity, reducing the risk of getting the flu.
Painkillers
Taking painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen are an effective way to counteract the effects of headaches and fevers.
Honey tea
Mixing a few spoonfuls of honey with warm money creates a sweet soothing drink that alleviates a sore throat.
