Freshers’ Flu: Dr reveals how Welsh students can avoid freshers flu and the warning signs to watch out for

Expert tips on how to avoid freshers’ flu and UK freshers’ flu hotspots revealed

·        Mystudenthalls.com teamed up with Dr William Colyer to provide expert tips on avoiding freshers flu.

·        As well as reducing the risk Dr Colyer explains when it might be something more serious.

·        A recent study also reveals Manchester, Glasgow, and Leeds rank as the UK’s freshers’ flu hotspots.

Freshers’ flu is a common experience at any university and one that every university student dreads, best described as a mix of a bad cold and a lingering hangover – likely from the typical freshers-week antics.

Whether you’re a fresher, a seasoned third-year, or a master’s student, at some point you’re bound to experience a case of freshers’ flu. With this in mind, Mystudenthalls.com has partnered with health expert Dr. William Colyer to offer essential tips on how students can reduce the risk of catching Freshers’ Flu alongside revealing the top freshers’ flu hotspots in the UK.

Top tips for reducing the risk of freshers’ flu 

With Freshers week in full flow for some, maintaining good health is key to fully enjoying the university experience. Dr Colyer explains the following tips to avoid the dreaded illness.

Sanitise, sanitise, sanitise
Freshers’ Flu spreads quickly due to the close contact between students from various regions. Dr. Colyer stresses “Whether it’s hand sanitising at any opportunity or just regularly washing your hands (especially before meals) – this is going to be most effective in keeping those cold and flu germs. at bay sharing personal items like towels or utensils with flatmates to help reduce the risk.

Keep calm, keep well
“University life is exciting, but the pressures of settling in can take a toll on mental health,” Dr Colyer explains “when you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol which can weaken the immune system and make you more susceptible to illness – in the whirlwind of the first few weeks, be sure to look after your mental health, take time for relaxation and self-care.”

Fuel your system
From post pub fast food to the discounted freshers takeaways Dr. Colyer says “Maintaining a nutritious diet and staying active will support your immune system against germs. While fast food is tempting during Freshers’ Week, try to remember to eat on fruits, vegetables, and most importantly – stay hydrated! It’s always worth exploring the student discounts offered by services like Hello Fresh and Gousto, then at least you’ll have a few quick nutritious meals to cook throughout the week, and you could always team up with a new flatmate.”

Vitamins and supplements can support your health

Dr Colyer advises that “Taking a multivitamin like Berocca, which contains essential B vitamins, vitamin C, and minerals like magnesium and zinc, can help replenish nutrients lost through poor diet or after drinking alcohol. These vitamins can support energy levels, reduce fatigue, and boost your immune system.

“Additionally, milk thistle is often used to support liver health and detoxification, which may help after heavy drinking, though evidence on its effectiveness in reducing hangover symptoms is limited. While these supplements can be beneficial, the best ways to alleviate hangovers and stay healthy include staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and getting plenty of rest.”

Everything in moderation
“While Freshers’ Week often involves plenty of alcohol-fuelled events, excessive drinking can weaken the immune system. The NHS recommends drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, spread across three days or more. This is around six medium (175ml) glasses of wine or six pints of 4% beer.”

“Really try to limit alcohol intake and participate in other activities like movie nights or social gatherings that don’t revolve around drinking.”

Importance of sleep
Dr Colyer explains how “Sleep is one of the most important aspects of staying healthy. With a whirlwind of social events and early lectures, students may struggle to get the recommended 7-9 hours of rest. Try to create a down time routine, avoiding screens before bed, and making time for early nights to give your body the rest it needs.”

Register with a GP

Dr. Colyer strongly advises students to register with a GP in their new city as soon as possible “This ensures quick access to medical support when needed, whether it’s a cold, flu, or something more serious, which is comforting to know when you’re away from home comforts and family.”

When Freshers’ Flu could be something more serious

While many cases of Freshers’ Flu are mild, it’s essential to recognise when symptoms might indicate a more serious condition. Dr. Colyer warns that illnesses such as meningitis, mumps, glandular fever, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can present with symptoms similar to Freshers’ Flu but require urgent attention.

• Meningitis: Symptoms include a high fever, light sensitivity, a stiff neck, or a rash resembling red or purple pin pricks. Meningitis can be life-threatening, so students are urged to seek immediate medical help if they suspect it. The NHS offers the MenACWY vaccination to protect against several strains of meningococcal meningitis.

• Mumps: Mumps causes facial swelling under the ears, often referred to as a “hamster face.” Although it usually resolves on its own, students should stay away from social events and lectures for at least five days and consult a GP for diagnosis.

• Glandular Fever: A high fever, swollen glands, and a severe sore throat are potential symptoms of glandular fever. This illness is spread through saliva, so it’s important to avoid sharing utensils or glasses. Rest, hydration, and medical advice from a GP are recommended.

• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, can often go unnoticed as they may present with mild or no symptoms, but they can still cause long-term health issues if untreated. Symptoms may include unusual discharge, painful urination, or sores. Students should seek sexual health advice if they experience any of these symptoms. Many universities offer sexual health clinics where students can get tested and access treatment.

The top 10 freshers’ flu hotspots in the UK

Mystudenthalls.com has ranked the UK’s most popular university cities to find where the freshers’ flu hotspots are, based on a number of key factors including the number of undergraduate students, searches for freshers’ flu symptoms, flu vaccine uptake, and more.

Manchester ranks as the top hotspot for freshers’ flu in the UK, with 26,512 undergraduates per 100,000 people, making it a breeding ground for illness. Last year, over 2,600 searches for flu symptoms in the city reflected the high demand for relief, while flu vaccine uptake remained low, with only 302 per 1,000 receiving the vaccine. Glasgow follows closely, despite having fewer undergraduates (14,632 per 100,000) than Manchester, positioning it as the second-highest risk city.

Leeds comes in third, with 76,075 undergraduates and limited GP access (28.2 per 100,000 students), though it had higher vaccine uptake rates at 359 per 1,000 people. Other notable cities include Edinburgh, Bristol, and Liverpool, each presenting their own challenges with low GP availability, high flu rates, or lower healthcare spending per student.

Dan Roberts, Director at Mystudenthalls.com comments: “Freshers’ flu is a common issue that impacts students, typically within their first few weeks of university. We decided to conduct this study to highlight the key areas most affected.

“It’s also important to consider self-care and personal health when starting university to avoid freshers’ flu. With students adjusting to new routines, socialising, and often experiencing a lack of sleep, prioritising health is crucial to staying well.”

For more information on the cities your most and least likely to catch freshers flu, along with tips on staying healthy in the first few weeks at University visit: https://www.mystudenthalls.com/news/which-uk-university-gets-the-worst-freshers-flu/