How to Beat Freshers’ Flu

No one likes to be ill, especially not at the start of your first term of university, but unfortunately this is the optimum time to catch the dreaded “Freshers’ Flu”.

Getting Freshers’ Flu at the start of university makes sense when you think about it. You’re busy, in a new place, stressed, and meeting lots of lovely new people who’ve brought their lovely germs with them.

Without living in a bubble you’ll find it hard to avoid the bacteria at university but there are plenty of things you can do to try and beat Freshers’ Flu before it takes hold.

Here are some of our top tips for great health at university:                                              

Drink, drink, drink – water!

Seriously, staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do to avoid illness as it helps to remove toxins from your body and allows your cells to take in the maximum number of nutrients.

Get friendly with fruit and veg

Speaking of nutrients, aiming for your five a day, or more, is the best way to get nutrients into your body. Try and aim for a rainbow of colours on your plate, and that doesn’t mean a bowl of Skittles for breakfast!

Stock up on your medicine kit

Especially paracetamol and paracetamol based medications such as cold and flu medicine. Although these should always be taken at the recommended dose, they’ll help to bring your temperature down and leave you feeling slightly more able to face the day.

Get moving

If you are struck down by Freshers’ Flu then exercise is probably the last thing on your mind, but some gentle movement can do you the world of good.

A stroll in the park or low impact exercise such as yoga is ideal for when you’re feeling rough.

Hit the hay

Freshers’ Week is notoriously busy and that doesn’t usually leave a lot of time for sleep, but not getting enough rest leaves your immune system open to attack.

Try to plan a few early nights and if you’re starting to feel burnt out, reach for the duvet and your favourite boxset.

Humans need fresh air

Again, going outside when you feel like death warmed up isn’t always the most appealing idea, but even an hour in the back garden is better than nothing. Wrap up warm and head outside, we promise you’ll feel better for it.

Give yourself a good scrub

We’re not saying you need to bathe in antibacterial hand gel, but making sure you thoroughly wash your hands (and the rest of you for that matter) will help reduce your chances of becoming a breeding ground for germs.

Get some tea and sympathy

Being ill when you’re away from home, especially for the first time, get make everything seem even worse. So make a cup of tea and call your Mum, Dad, Granny, whoever you’ve got at home that will give you a little bit of sympathy and lift your spirits.