How to…Avoid Freshers Flu

It’s only three weeks into term, and you’re more likely to get freshers flu than you are to make your 8:30 seminar on a Monday morning.

If you’re lucky enough to have avoided illness thus far then congratulations, you’re one of the lucky ones, but as the weather slowly turns colder it may only be a matter of time until you begin to feel the onset of a sore throat and tickly cough. 

When it comes to Freshers Flu, prevention is always better than cure, which may be difficult with the insane number of people coughing and sneezing in lectures. With risk of starting to sound like the ‘mum friend’ here are some tips to help prevent Freshers flu and winter colds. 

1. Invest in some multivitamins. You can get them very affordably at any supermarket, just take one a day first thing in the morning to keep your immune system topped up and ready to survive the Lecture coughing. If you can get ones with Cod Liver oil included This is also just a good habit to get into in general to stay healthy. 
2. Be aware of DFMO’s (dance-floor-make-outs) you never know what you may catch from that cute stranger across the room. Equally, passing around and a bottle of tequila at a party is not recommended.
3. Drink lemon water! Lemons are a super food and really affordable! Putting a couple of slices of lemon in your water bottle or in a cup of warm water first thing in the morning is a healthy way to start a long day of classes filled with potentially infectious classmates. Full of vitamin C and a whole bunch of other great stuff, great for fighting off the flu. Drinking water with a slice of lemon also helps detoxify your liver — always good to know for hangovers.
4. Herbal teas are fabulous. If you’re feeling rough then Lemon and Ginger is a good go to.  The added spice of ginger helps soothe a sore throat. These are an absolute godsend if you’re feeling lazy and just want something warm to sip on — just add hot water to a teabag and you’re set. If you’re feeling particularly bougie, then adding a little honey also goes a long way.
5. Limit your alcohol intake — this one can be tricky, I know. — But high alcohol intake and getting drunk can lower your immune system and make you more likely to get ill for up to 24 hours after the first drink. Not good with all those socials in your calendar, but that’s the price you pay (or money you save) to avoid the flu.

Here are a few more tips if you’re feeling not-so-fresh, or if you can feel the dreaded flu coming for you like those first deadlines of the year:

6. If you’re lucky enough to have your lectures recorded — TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS! Do not, I repeat, do not, force your ill body out of bed if you’re feeling like death warmed up, because quite frankly, those trying to avoid catching the flu will not appreciate your attendance at the lecture. Watch the lecture an hour later from the comfort of your bed with a nice cup of tea or a Lemsip, (I mean, thats pretty tempting even if you’re just feeling lazy) Please don’t infect us all with your plague. Take some time and TLC and a chill couple of days until you’ve broken the back of it, and are less infectious. 

With over 22,500 students on Exeter’s campus, lets face it, your chances of making it through flu season unscathed are slim. Takes steps to stay as healthy as you can and fight off the flue, and embrace in some TLC if (when) it comes for you.

(DISCLAIMER: Even after following my own advice I too have unfortunately been infected, as I’m writing this I am bed bound with only Lemsip for company. Be safe out there kiddos.)