Got a sore throat, pounding head and high temperature? You could have a case of freshers’ flu. Chances are you’ll probably come down with a case of the freshers’ flu at least once during your time at the university. And, as the name suggests, most likely during your first weeks.
While freshers’ flu obviously isn’t the end of the world, it’s not the most convenient time to get sick. You have so much going on, so many new people to meet and so many nights out to go on.
If you’re determined to do everything you can to avoid catching it, or you’re already infected and looking for the holy gail of cures, then keep reading along.
Your friends might say your being dramatic but actually freshers’ flu isn’t really a form of a bad flu, its actually more like a bad cold, although doesn’t take away from the fact it can make you feel really rubbish for a week or so. The dreaded illness is a mixture of physical and psychological factors, which together batter away at your immune system and make you feel rotten. If you kiss loads of new people during fresher’s week this could increase your chance of falling ill. Freshers flu is normally caused by a combination of a few different things including
- Mingling
You will likely to be meeting loads of new people from all over the place, be it in a bar, university classes, and other contained areas.
As you’ll be meeting people from all over the country (and the world), some may be carrying viruses that you’re not immune to.
Keep washing your hands on a regular basis and remember the 20 second rule when washing your hands. Carry a hand sanitizer, these little individuals are extremely handy and you can throw one in your handbag or even get a key ring with a sanitizer on.
- Sleep
We at Letpads know, there are so many events going on that you simply can’t afford to miss. But if we were your parents, we’d be telling you that you’re burning the candle at both ends. We’re not your parents, but we like to look after our student’s health and welfare at Letpads. I bet you wouldn’t get this advice from any other landlord’s!!
Partying every night and then going to early morning lectures the next day won’t do your immune system any favours. Taking a night or two off the sauce won’t hurt you, we promise.
- Eating Junk
Whether it’s due to the accumulation of ever-so-cruel hangovers or just the fact that you can’t be bothered to cook, eating loads of junk food can make you feel worse. Try and eat a variety of fruit and vegetables.
- Alcohol
Drinking too much will weaken your defences against virus. Maybe that next round isn’t such a good idea after all. Coffee anyone?
- Stress
Moving to a new place or being thrown into a completely new environment can be stressful in all sorts of ways. Whether you’re feeling homesick or worried about making friends, don’t ignore how you are feeling.
As you might have noticed, a lot of these causes are kind of unavoidable during fresher’s week. There’s nothing you can do to completely protect yourself, just be aware of some of the causes. Have a good day everyone !!