Freshers flu and how to avoid it

By Mia Walker

Welcome back fellow students! It is that time of year again when students come back to Belfast to study, learn, and have fun. During the first few weeks of a new term at university, it is common for many freshers (and returning students) to come down with flu-like symptoms, also known as the dreaded ‘freshers flu.’

When returning to campus, students will be exposed to germs that they wouldn’t usually be. On top of this, the chances are that you won’t be eating healthily or sleeping well in the first few weeks of university. Let’s be realistic: there will also be lots of alcohol consumed and partying in overcrowded spaces—the perfect storm in catching ‘freshers flu.’ Finally, the stress of leaving home can also lower your immunity, making you susceptible to becoming sick.

What can you do to avoid the ‘fresher’s flu?’ The first thing is eating well, which is easier said than done, especially on a student loan. However, try to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables to get your daily dose of vitamins. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, and bell peppers and is essential in trying to boost immunity. Garlic benefits your immune system because it is an antioxidant and decongestant that will help fight flu or cold viruses. Other immune-boosting foods are Turmeric, Broccoli, Ginger, spinach, yogurt, almonds, sunflower seeds, and fatty fish such as tuna or salmon. Also, drinking water is vital to flushing out those ‘freshers’ flu’ toxins, so fill up your water bottles and stay hydrated.

Additionally, take a vitamin supplement to boost your immune system if you think you aren’t getting enough but this is not as a substitute for a healthy diet. Examples that are good for immunity include Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Zinc, and Selenium. Also, get some sleep you party animals. Despite the temptation to spend every night of fresher’s week out on the town, sleep depravation will make you more susceptible to falling ill. So have fun, party, go out, and make memories, but be selective and allow yourself time to catch up on sleep.

Exercise not only gets your immune cells circulating around your body during activity, but it also enhances the existence of these immune cells for up to three hours following exercise. Therefore, it gives your immune cells more time to recognise foreign invaders and keeps you healthy. Don’t worry if you don’t love exercising or don’t have time. A brief walk roughly the same length as your lunch break is sufficient to maintain your normal immunity. During flu season, one study monitored 1,000 individuals, and those who walked for 30 to 45 minutes a day were 43 percent less ill than those who did not.

Moreover, step up the hygiene; there will be more germs amongst larger crowds. Therefore, wash your hands regularly, get some anti-bacterial hand sanitiser to use on the go, and ensure your hands are always clean. Finally, take care of your mental health. Whether you’re coming to university for the first time or returning, it can be stressful. Don’t be afraid to admit to yourself that you need some time out and ask for help if you need it.

If you catch the dreaded fresher’s flu, there are some ways to help cure it. Garlic is beneficial for your immune system and is also a natural antioxidant, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory. It’s the superhero of alternative cold medicines (and will keep away those pesky vampires too). Drinking hot drinks can help soothe your throat. Traditionally, hot water is an excellent option for honey, lemon, and chopped ginger. Also, stock up on throat lozenges like Soothers or Strepsils can help soothe your sore throat. Meditate, do some yoga, or go for a walk. Taking time to unwind by exercising and getting some fresh air can help clean your mind and make you feel better. Finally, chicken soup is the age-old remedy to cure all ills (other kinds are available). Although we can’t say whether it works or not it’ll still make you feel warm inside. Plus, it tastes excellent, so it’s a win-win situation.

Mia Walker is a third year history and archaeology student at QUB and is a health and lifestyle reporter at the Scoop.

Edited by: Claire Dickson

Health & LifestyleThe Scoop