Well well well, it’s that time of year again where campus seems to be filled with coughs and sniffles. After more than a year of social distancing and being stuck indoors, we’ve all forgotten what it’s like to be ill. Freshers’ flu seems to be more lethal than ever this year, which is not surprising seeing as it had a year off and now it’s back with vengeance.
For me, getting freshers’ flu was quite a shock because believe it or not, I thought it was a myth! I think I’ve just been extremely lucky to have avoided it for the past two years, but I guess catching it in my final year is a good way to complete the university experience?
I hope this guide can help those suffering from freshers’ flu to recover a bit faster, because let’s be honest – coughing your lungs out in a lecture isn’t nice!
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional; this is only for a bit of fun and it’s all based on personal experience. Please seek proper medical support if required. And if you have any symptoms relating to Covid take a test!
Lemsip 7/10
This classic comes in two different flavours: blackcurrant and lemon. I much prefer the blackcurrant compared to the lemon, but both are pretty nasty. I would recommend drinking this before bed to get rid of that cough so you can have a good sleep. I like having it in bed whilst watching an episode of a TV series. Also, if you’re a broke student, you can always get the Boots’ own brand of Lemsip, it works just as well (I’ve tried it).
Day and Night Nurse 10/10
This is a life saver. If I could only have one med this would be it. It clears everything up and works like magic. Just trust me on this one.
Strepsil 5/10
These are best for sucking on during a lecture or a seminar. You can do it silently to get rid of that cough. It actually doesn’t taste too bad and comes in lots of different flavours.
Paracetamol 6/10
The OG med for everything, pretty self explanatory. I’ve got in the habit of carrying some of these around with me everywhere. Not only are they good for freshers’ flu, but they also work with headaches, period pains and toothaches.
Ibuprofen 6/10
The sister of Paracetamol. The main difference between the two is that ibuprofen reduces inflammation. I tend to prefer ibuprofen because it really helps with my sore throat and stops me from sounding like Darth Vader in the mornings when I wake up.
Nasal spray 8/10
This one was recommended to me by a housemate. It’s essentially saline solution that you spray up your nostrils. I like using this before bed to clear my blocked nose so I can actually breath properly when sleeping. I just bought Boots’ own brand because it was cheap, but I’m sure all brands work the same.
Vitamin C 2/10
This tablet can be dissolved in water to make a fizzy orange drink. It has no effect on me, and to be honest I think it’s a placebo.
Yogi Tea Throat Comfort 4/10
This is slightly random but hear me out. My housemate gave me some of this stuff and it genuinely tasted amazing. It was slightly sweet with a hint of liquorish and really soothes your throat. It only provides a brief temporary effect, but it’s just a pleasant tea to drink regardless.
The best way to beat freshers’ flu is by drinking lots of water and getting plenty of rest. The start of university is always fun, but it can be extremely draining, especially after a year of not socialising in large groups. It’s so important to look after and listen to our bodies if we want to do well academically. Also remember to sign up for the GP at the student health centre, and visit the student wellbeing centre near Reed Hall if you need to talk about anything.
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/wellbeing
https://www.exeterstudenthealthcentre.co.uk/
I hope everyone is having great start to the term!