As the second week of term rolls in, many university students find themselves grappling with the dreaded freshers' flu. You’ve finally mastered the washing machine, your flatmates are morphing into friends, and the chaos of freshers' week has settled. But just when you think you're in the clear, you start to feel that familiar scratch in your throat, followed by a runny nose. Suddenly, lectures shift from a valuable learning experience to a challenge of not coughing louder than your neighbor.
Freshers' flu isn’t the actual flu but rather a collection of common cold viruses that tend to circulate among students during the initial weeks of university. According to Dr. Zania Stamataki, an associate professor of viral immunology at the University of Birmingham, this phenomenon occurs because thousands of students arrive on campus, each bringing their own set of respiratory viruses. With packed lecture theaters, shared kitchens, and late-night parties, the conditions are ripe for a rapid spread of illness.
Sheena Cruickshank, an immunologist and professor in biomedical sciences at the University of Manchester, describes freshers' flu as a "mixing pot of infections." The influx of students from various regions exposes everyone to unfamiliar viruses, leading to a surge in infections. Respiratory viruses are continuously evolving, and even minor variations can confound the immune system, forcing it to restart its defenses.
Your immune system serves as your body’s natural defense against infections, composed of various cells, tissues, and organs that work together to combat invaders like viruses. However, during freshers' week, many students inadvertently weaken their immune defenses. Factors such as diet, physical activity, stress, and sleep play significant roles in maintaining a robust immune response.
Stress is particularly detrimental during this time. The pressure to adapt, form friendships, and meet academic expectations can be overwhelming. According to Prof. Cruickshank, stress triggers cortisol release, which suppresses immune function. "We've all had those moments when you're stressed, and after finishing deadlines, you fall ill," she explains. The social pressure to engage during freshers' week often eclipses the need for rest, leading to a vicious cycle of stress and illness.
Imogen Farmer, a second-year student at the University of Leeds, shares her experience: "I met up with friends every evening during freshers' week and definitely suffered with a sore throat and runny nose after." She acknowledges that while the social aspect is crucial for bonding, it often comes at the cost of health.
Alcohol consumption, which is prevalent among students trying to ease social anxiety, further complicates matters. Dr. Stamataki points out that excessive drinking can lead to a decrease in white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infections. Contrary to the belief that alcohol improves sleep, it actually heightens stress and disrupts sleep quality.
A poor diet, often characterized by irregular meal patterns, can also compromise immunity. Many students find it challenging to maintain a nutritious diet, opting instead for quick, unhealthy meals or skipping meals altogether.
In crowded lecture halls, it’s easy to find yourself surrounded by classmates sneezing and coughing, each potentially carrying different viruses. This close proximity increases the likelihood of exposure to multiple infections simultaneously. Dr. Stamataki warns, "Sometimes you think you've escaped illness, but you haven't." Many students may feel fine, only to unknowingly transmit viruses to others.
Young people often have robust immune responses, but their lack of prior exposure to various viruses can make them more susceptible to illness. When faced with a new virus, symptoms can be severe, but subsequent exposures often result in milder reactions. It’s also possible to contract multiple infections at once, which can either overwhelm the immune system or ignite a vigorous defense response.
For students, the pressure to push through illness can be intense. Emily Valentine, a 19-year-old student from the University of Leeds, notes that while she prefers to rest, many of her peers feel compelled to attend lectures. The shift to recorded lectures during the pandemic has provided some relief, enabling students to catch up on missed work. Still, experts emphasize the importance of allowing your body time to recover from viral assaults.
If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s advisable to seek medical advice. Prof. Cruickshank suggests consulting a healthcare professional, especially if you notice signs like spots at the back of your throat, which could indicate strep throat requiring antibiotics. Remember, while antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections, they do not work on viruses like colds and flu.
Freshers' flu is a common issue faced by many university students, exacerbated by lifestyle choices and the unique environment of campus life. By understanding the factors that contribute to this phenomenon and prioritizing health, students can better navigate the challenges of their first few weeks at university.
