Freshers Flu: The Unfortunate Facts!

It was meant to be two weeks of dancing, fancy dress parties and late nights. Now you’re one week in and your head is banging, your body aches, you haven’t opened your curtains in days and  you feel utterly rubbish. What happened? Where did it all go wrong? You had more party to give, dammit…

Sorry to be the one to break it to you but it seems you have a case of freshers’ flu. It’s not the end of the world but you’ll probably feel like it is if you have it.

The Causes

Socialising

You’ll be meeting new people probably every day in your flat, your lecture halls, bars and clubs. There will be a lot of shaking hands and hugs – maybe even kisses! That’s a lot of love, and even more germs.

Try keeping some antibacterial hand gel in your bag. While we’re not saying use it every time you meet someone (awkward), a quick application every few hours should do some good.

Lack of sleep

Late nights dancing + early morning lectures = one sleepy new student. The lack of sleep will be playing havoc with your immune system and you’ll be burning yourself out. Remember that you don’t need to go to every event; just pace yourself and stay in tune with your body.

Eating junk

Avoid eating takeaways all the time; they’ll only make you feel worse. Get some decent food in your system and you’ll be surprised with how much better you feel.

The Symptoms

Shivering cold but also hot hot hot

No matter what you do, you can’t seem to warm up. You’ve got three layers of clothes on plus a hot water bottle and your teeth are still chattering… A few hours later, you’re feeling hot and sweaty and can’t seem to cool down.

Dry cough, sore throat and sneezing

You’ll be feeling all the classic common cold symptoms but x 100.

Headaches and grogginess

Having a constant headache that won’t shift will, of course, result in you not feeling your cheery self.

The Cures

Go to the doctors

It’s always best to go to the doctors first and foremost. They’ll be able to advise what’s what and help you get better.

Drink lots of water

Stay hydrated, drink lots of water and get some exercise. You want to flush all those fresher toxins from your body.

Eat your greens and drink them too

There is no such thing as a takeaway anymore. You only have room for the good stuff in your life. Vegetables, fruit, chicken soup, smoothies etc.

Get plenty of rest

Catch up on sleep and don’t go out more than you have to. That means no more nights out, no meeting your friends for lunch/coffee and no more partying – within reason, that is. Focus on getting better, quicker.

Freshers’ isn’t the most convenient of times to be feeling sick. Still, the flu afflicts all students at least once in their uni life. You’ll be right as rain in no time.

Get well soon!

Haleema Khokhar also known as Kimi (a college nickname that stayed) is a journalism graduate working in the world of marketing and freelance writing. She loves animals, dance and a strong cup of tea. Check out her website and Twitter at @MyImpression_ you can also check out her personal Twitter at @KimiKhokhar 

Inspiring Interns is a graduate recruitment agency which specialises in sourcing candidates for marketing internship roles and giving out graduate careers advice. To browse graduate jobs and graduate jobs Manchester, visit their website.