Around 90% of students become ill in their first few weeks of university. In most cases your son or daughter is just suffering from a cold or mild flu, brought about by exhaustion after being bombarded with information and attending one too many parties. However, symptoms can be misdiagnosed and could be a more dangerous virus or bacterial infection such as meningitis.

 

Causes

The most likely cause is an increase in the number of bacteria your child is exposed to. They are rubbing shoulders and mingling with other students from across the country in vast numbers. Add to this exhaustion, which no doubt they will be dealing with as a result of partying, socialising and attending preliminary lectures, seminars and classes where they will be overloaded with information. Exhaustion weakens the immune system, leaving your son or daughter open to infection, which with several thousand other students in the same boat coupled with poor diet and excessive alcohol consumption is a recipe for disaster.

What is freshers’ flu? Symptoms?

It’s basically just a bad cold. Symptoms include soar throat, nausea, headaches, coughing, achiness and sometimes fever and vomiting in more severe cases. The symptoms should pass after a few days, with maybe a lingering cough or runny nose for a week or so.

Treatment

Generally sleep and a healthy diet work best. Increasing vitamin intake is the fastest road to recovery from standard freshers’ flu. Fruit and vegetables in the form of soups and juices are easiest to consume with an unsettled stomach.

To prevent freshers’ flu from happening in the first place, go with your son or daughter on their first food shop to make sure they make healthy food choices. It’s also a good idea to pack them a first-aid kit including rehydration sachets, painkillers and vitamin tablets.

Rest is vital, but exercise is also important. Encourage your child to join the gym or sports club. This is also a great way to make like-minded friends.

It is important your child registers with the doctor in the first week of university. As a full-time student they will receive free or discounted treatments and prescriptions. They will need to pick up an HC1 form from the doctors to apply.

Meningitis: what to look for and what to do

Meningitis is a bacterial infection that results in inflammation around the brain and spinal cord. Left untreated it can be fatal.

The symptoms are similar to those of freshers’ flu, which is why it is such a problem. Many students don’t think they are seriously ill until it’s too late. However, other than headaches, vomiting, fever and drowsiness, meningitis symptoms include stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, pale, blotchy skin, joint pains, cold hands and feet and a rash of red or purple spots that don’t fade when a glass is rolled over them. Note however, not all of these symptoms may be present.

If meningitis is suspected contact the doctor immediately. Treatment includes hospitalisation, intravenous antibiotics, oxygen and steroids. Anyone that has come in contact with an infected individual will probably need antibiotics themselves.

Recommended reads:

• University accommodation: Halls vs private
• Your teenager's first car
• Sixth form or college?
• Quick gap year guide
• Learning to drive: the parent's role