How to Avoid Freshers' Flu

How to Avoid Freshers' Flu

15 September 2020 • 6 min read


Can you avoid freshers flu? Here's what you need to know 👇


Freshers’ flu is infamous for affecting thousands of students every year. It’s pretty inevitable that most students will catch it at some point during their time at university, but being prepared can mean you have a better chance at fighting it off and avoiding falling ill. Here are our top tips on avoiding freshers' flu, and how to cure it.

What is freshers’ flu? 🧐

Despite its name, freshers’ flu is not necessarily an actual flu. It’s more a collection of symptoms which hit freshers’ the hardest during the first few weeks of the new academic year as you’re mingling with huge numbers of new people.

How long does freshers’ flu last? 

Freshers’ flu usually consists of a bad cold and hangover-like symptoms – so it’s not going to hang around too long. Sometimes it's just a case of having a really bad hangover, and this might be because you’re super run-down (constant drinking and lack of sleep is the main cause here), so there’s usually no need to seek medical attention - a good night's sleep can make you feel 10x better.

How do you catch freshers’ flu? 🤧

Exposure to germs. Usually, you’ll catch a bad cold from being in contact with someone else who has it. Whether that’s a quick handshake, touching a surface they’ve touched or giving them a good-old snog.
In some people, freshers' flu is a symptom of being overly tired and lacking energy in the body. Or in others, it can be a bout of homesickness showing itself in other ways. Every case will be different, so it’s important to look after yourself as you enter freshers’ week.

Do I have freshers flu or Coronavirus?😷

The symptoms for freshers’ flu are different to coronavirus, but there’s still a bit of crossover. Like with any virus, you’ll need to be careful to avoid it. Take a look at the government’s most recent guidelines.

What are the symptoms of freshers' flu? 👀

Symptoms vary from person to person, but usually they’re similar to the symptoms of the common colds and flu. The symptoms include:

●     A high temperature or fever
●     A cough
●     A sore throat
●     A headache
●     Feeling sick
●     Feeling exhausted
●     An aching body

If you start feeling a little run-down, this might be a warning sign that you’ve caught the bug. 


How to avoid freshers’ flu 🙅‍♀️

Here are the most effective ways to avoid catching freshers’ flu when you start university this year.

Wash your hands and keep surfaces clean  
We’ve been told again and again how important it is, but washing your hands is an incredibly effective way to avoid catching any viruses or bad colds.

Stay hydrated 
Aim to have the recommended 2 litres of water a day (at least). Combat hangovers by keeping a few bottles of water around your flat as a reminder for you to have a drink.

Squeeze in a glass of water in between alcoholic drinks while you’re out during freshers’ week to keep up your water intake. This will save you a hangover in the morning (future you will thank you).

Get moving 
Whether it’s a walk to explore the neighbourhood or a full-on gym sesh with your new housemates, getting moving is bound to keep your immune system active. 

Get at least eight hours of sleep 
Give yourself enough time every night to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night (or preferably more – you’ll need it). The Sleep Foundation recommends making up for lack of sleep with naps throughout the day, so if your sleep isn’t quite up to scratch, at least you’ve got an excuse for a quick kip.

Get in your 5-a-day 
Do your immune system a favour and try to have a decent diet during freshers’ week. Simply getting in some fruit and veg can drastically improve your chances of surviving scot-free. 

Orange juice is always a go-to for fighting off illnesses, as it’s packed with vitamin C and folic acid to give your immune system a boost. So, before you head out for your first freshers’ night, pop some OJ next to your bed for the hangover in the morning. Opt for freshly squeezed if you can.

Schedule a cooking night with your mates as a fun way to get some veg into your system. This is a great way to get to know your new housemates, and it’ll make it a lot less tempting to eat Domino’s every night 🍕

How to get rid of freshers’ flu 🤒

If you think you might have caught a bad case of freshers’ flu, don’t panic! There are a number of easy strategies you can do to start feeling like yourself again.

Figure out how you caught it
Are your symptoms from the common cold? Do you have a bad hangover? Or are you feeling a bit stressed from your new surroundings? Figuring out why you might have developed freshers’ flu will help you treat it the right way.

Lemon, honey and ginger are your new best friends
The combination of lemon, honey and ginger is a goldmine of health benefits. It’s a natural immune booster which can prevent your symptoms from getting even worse, and the vitamins will keep you on the straight and narrow. Garlic is also another alternative. It can lessen the risk of becoming ill in the first place, and the severity of your symptoms. 

If you don’t have the time or patience to cook up your own remedy, Berocca is a great alternative!

Practice mindfulness
A quick 10-minute meditation or yoga session can give you some instant relief for the dreaded freshers’ flu. It helps to reduce stress, which can flare up symptoms and prolong your illness. Mindfulness is excellent for students who are feeling homesick or stressed from the change in their environment. It’ll do your mental health some good too, so try to squeeze in ten minutes a day.

Lay off the smoking
Keeping in control of your cigarette habit might save you days of being bedridden - and money too! Smoking is a pain for your immune system and can prolong your symptoms way longer than you’d like. If you’re feeling run-down from freshers’ flu, have a few days off from cigarettes.

Drink ALL the hot drinks ☕️
Hot liquids relieve congestion, get you hydrated and soothe nasal inflammation, to fight off that flu as quickly as possible. Chicken soup is a cure as old as time – and for good reason. It’s packed with vitamins A and C, which are immune boosting idols. If you’re not feeling the chicken, hot teas and vegetable soups will do the trick too.

If you're new to university this year, check out our top tips for surviving freshers' week.
 


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