Freshers Flu: Symptoms, Causes & Cures
What is freshers flu and what are the symptoms?
After learning about freshers, you’re finally getting out there, meeting new people, and loving every minute of it. That is, until you wake up with a hangover that’s hitting differently. Is it the freshers flu? What is freshers flu?
So, whether you’re currently wrapped up in a duvet praying for the end, or simply trying to make it through freshers week without a sniffle, we’ve put together everything you need to know about uni freshers flu and how to beat it.
Last updated: 30th August 2024
In this article:
- What is freshers flu?
- What causes freshers flu?
- Symptoms of freshers flu
- Freshers flu cures & remedies
- How long will it last?
What is freshers flu?
Although your symptoms might be flu-like, it turns out that freshers’ flu isn’t necessarily a form of flu at all. Freshers flu is a name given to a whole host of different illnesses and is usually just a bad cold.
But, we all know is that it’s more likely to get some sympathy and a care package sent from mum, so we’ll stick with that.
If you’re feeling ill and it’s not a cold or freshers’ flu, it may be an ick that has made you sick — learn about the reality of poor sexual hygiene. A must for uni students!
What causes freshers flu?
The freshers flu isn’t actually a form of flu. It’s the combination of many factors that causes you to become run down post (or sometimes during!) freshers week. Think of it as more of a bad cold instead.
Freshers flu is actually caused by a combination of physical, environmental and psychological factors, which together can make you feel quite unwell for about a week or so.
And no, freshers flu isn’t contracted by kissing someone at that random house party you went to, it can actually happen to anyone.
Here are just some of the causes of freshers flu:
1. Mixing with new people
People congregating in one place from all over the country (and the world) can only mean one thing–– lots of new viruses you’ve never come across before being brought with them.
If your body’s not been exposed to a virus before, then it won’t have built up an immunity to it. This can lead to you getting ill.
2. Drinking
Freshers week and alcohol often go hand in hand. Alcohol actually weakens your immune system, depletes valuable nutrients and dehydrates you, which in turn gives you terrible headaches, hangovers and eventually cold and flu-like symptoms.
Just like it lowers your inhibitions, one too many shots can also lower your immune system. So if you really want to skip freshers flu then this may be a good way to do it. However, you can’t guarantee that you won’t still catch it, so what’s one more pint, eh?
3. Lack of sleep
Late nights out plus early starts for those first intro lectures can mean that there’s barely any time to sleep. There’s a reason students soon master the fine art of napping.
If you can’t remember the last time you got in eight hours and you’re feeling a little run down, chances are that you’re in need of a good night’s sleep. Poor sleep can impact your immune system, so take a night off, get cosy, and sleep through until tomorrow afternoon. You won’t be doing any studying for the first few weeks so now’s the time to get your sleep in.
4. Eating too many takeaways
Let’s face it, if you’re off to parties, you’re likely gonna want a takeaway at the end of the night. Combine that with multiple trips throughout the week, then you’re bound to feel run down.
Your body needs nutritious food to perform at its best. Unfortunately, most takeaways aren’t that good for us and are often covered in grease and fat. If you must give in to a takeaway, try to balance this out with fruit and veggies as much as you can.
5. Stress and anxiety
Moving out, making new friends, and even just finding your way around a new campus can be stressful. Going away to university is a big change, so if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, then this can also affect your ability to fight off bugs.
Take some time out to focus on you and talk to friends and family. Remember you’re not alone and there’s help out there if you need it.
It can be pretty difficult to avoid most of these things as a fresher, so if you’ve resigned yourself to the fact that you’re probably going to get ill at some point, then at least you now know why you’re ill!
Most common symptoms of freshers’ flu
As we’ve said before, freshers flu can be a whole load of different viruses and if you’re feeling unwell, then you’ve probably got it already.
Remember, if any of your symptoms match that of coronavirus, then be sure to self-isolate and get tested.
However, if you’re still not sure, here are some of the most common freshers’ flu symptoms:
1. Fever
Sweating buckets even though it’s -5 outside? Sounds like a fever to us. Although it feels like you want to jump head-first into the North Sea, a high temperature actually helps your body to fight infections by stimulating your immune system.
2. Headache
Can be mistaken for a hangover if you’ve had a heavy night, but if it. Just. Won’t. Go. Away. Then, chances are it’s freshers’ flu. Grab some painkillers, stay well-hydrated and get plenty of sleep.
3. Sore throat
When swallowing marshmallows feels like a dagger to the throat, there’s nothing worse. It’s safe to say that all that shouting over loud music has caught up with you and it’s time to suck on s throat sweet, make a hot drink, and rest your voice.
4. Coughing
If you’re keeping your neighbours up with coughing rather than loud music, then it’s time to take a night off, enjoy some hot drinks, and a bowl of chicken soup.
5. Sneezing
Let’s be honest, this is probably how you caught it in the first place. Get some tissues and try to remember to wash your hands every once in a while. Ew.
6. Dizziness and tiredness
Unless you want to fall down the lecture hall steps or fall asleep in front of your new coursemates, we suggest you stay home, stay hydrated, and sleep it off.
Freshers’ flu cures and home remedies
We’re sorry to say, that just like most viruses, it’s usually a case of taking it slow for a few days and waiting it out.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of flu fast, there are, however, a few ways that you might be able to speed up the process so that you can get back out there.
Here are the best ways to cure freshers’ flu and its dreaded lurgy symptoms:
1. Stay hydrated
Whether it’s a hangover or a genuine illness, water is a miracle worker. Flush out those toxins and give your body what it needs to work properly.
2. Eat better
We’re not expecting you to eat the rainbow or whatever. Just please give your body some sort of nutrients besides carbs from cheesy chips and beer. It’s amazing what a decent diet can do.
3. Get some sleep
This is the only time in your adult life (before you’re old) that it’s acceptable to nap in the afternoon. Make the most of it. Also, if you could refrain from a night out every once in a while and be in bed by 10pm, that would also do your body some good.
4. Take vitamins
Vitamin C and zinc are known for their immune-boosting properties, so pop to the shop and pick up a multivitamin. If you can’t stop with the nights out, junk food, and the drinking, then this is an easy way to help your immune system out.
5. Take some painkillers
Ibuprofen can tackle those headaches and help with a high temperature, so if you’ve got a lecture you can’t miss, then this should take the edge off.
6. Look after your mental health
Do what you need to do to help you feel less anxious and stressed. This might be getting outside, talking to friends, or taking time to meditate. Whatever your brain needs, make sure it’s getting it.
Freshers flu is a rite of passage for uni students, so try not to worry too much about catching it. Get in the chicken soup, herbal teas, and those all-important painkillers and you’ll be through the worst in no time!
7. Eat garlic
Garlic has tons of anti-bacterial and even anti-viral properties. While it’s tough to eat whole (though you’d certainly reap the benefits faster), you could try adding more garlic it to your favourite foods or buying garlic capsules.
8. Eat chicken soup
There’s a reason chicken soup is always recommended for illnesses. It’s easy to digest, full of amino acids, vitamins, protein and of course, water and salts (which your body is deprived of!). Buy some from the supermarket or have a go at making your own.
How long does freshers flu last?
Freshers flu can last from a few days to several weeks. It’s made worse by continuing the habits that caused it in the first place.
By following the tips and remedies to cure freshers flu above, you’ll be well on your way to recovery before you know it.
For more advice on surviving fresher week, read our go-to freshers guide