Starting your first year at university is exciting, but many students quickly find themselves coming down with a case of freshers flu. This wave of colds and other bugs often sweeps through the student population during freshers’ week and the first few weeks at university. While it might not be actual flu, it can leave you feeling unwell, tired, and struggling to fully enjoy your new university life.
In this guide, we’ll explain what freshers’ flu is, the symptoms of freshers’ flu, how long it can last, and our top tips to help you recover from freshers’ illness quickly.
What Is Freshers Flu?
Despite its name, freshers flu isn’t usually the same as the actual flu. Instead, it’s a mix of cold and flu symptoms triggered by exposure to lots of new germs and bacteria and viruses when you’re meeting new people at uni.
- During freshers week, there’s often a wave of colds because:
- Lots of new people are living together in student accommodation
- Late nights and lack of sleep can weaken your immune system
- Alcohol, takeaways, and less time to eat a balanced diet can affect your wellbeing
- The sudden change of environment and time at university introduces you to new bugs that go around
It’s common and difficult to avoid freshers’ flu, but there are ways to help your immune system and reduce the chances of getting it.
Symptoms of Freshers Flu
Symptoms of freshers’ flu can vary, but most resemble the common cold rather than severe flu-like symptoms. You might experience:
- A sore throat
- Blocked nose and congestion
- Cough
- Headaches, aches and pains
- Fatigue and feeling unwell
- Mild fever
- Cold and flu symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing
These symptoms of a common cold usually improve after 7 days, but sometimes freshers flu can last longer than a week. If you’re still feeling unwell after two weeks, it may be time to contact your GP.
How Long Does Freshers Flu Last?
So, how long does freshers flu last? For most students, the illness tends to improve after 7 days with plenty of rest.
However, tiredness, lingering coughs, and a sore throat may continue for up to two weeks. If you’re feeling unwell after two weeks or your flu symptoms are severe, always check with your GP or seek advice from the NHS (NHS cold and flu guidance).
How to Avoid Freshers Flu
It’s not always easy to avoid freshers flu, especially with the spread of germs among a large student population. But these tips can help you avoid freshers’ flu:
- Practise good hygiene such as washing your hands often
- Carry hand sanitiser in busy places
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Eat a balanced diet with fruit and vegetables rich in vitamin C
- Try to get plenty of rest and avoid too much lack of sleep
- Try alternating alcoholic drinks with water to stay hydrated and flush out toxins
- Keep your wellbeing in check during your time at university
How to Treat Freshers Flu
If you do catch freshers flu, here are some tips to help you treat freshers flu and recover from freshers’ illness:
- Take paracetamol to relieve headaches and mild fever
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Rest as much as possible – plenty of rest gives your body time to recover
- Eat nourishing meals or takeaways that include fruit and vegetables to help your immune system
- Keep warm and comfortable until you’re back on your feet
If your illness doesn’t improve after 7 days, or you’re still feeling unwell after two weeks, consult your GP.
Final Thoughts
Almost every student will experience a bout of freshers flu in their first few weeks at university. While it’s usually just a common cold, the flu-like symptoms can make your university experience less enjoyable. By prioritising good hygiene, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet, you can reduce your chances of getting ill and get back on your feet quicker.
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