Illnesses. The best part of moving to uni. You’re all excited to move out, go to uni, meet new people and start your degree, then bam, suddenly you’re ill. You could honestly say that you’re not a real uni student until you get freshers flu. But, after the last two years of covid (and it’s still going, no matter what the government says!), that cold you have could be covid. So, is it freshers flu or covid? Well, that’s what this guide is for. Here are some of the signs to help you tell whether you have freshers flu or covid.
Freshers Flu – How long does it last?
How severe your case of freshers flu and how long you have it is completely random. Some people may have it for a couple of days, some may have it for a couple of weeks and some may have it even longer. But, the general consensus is that you should start to be concerned if your symptoms last more than a week. Of course, this depends on whether you have any pre-existing conditions or anything else that could affect how severe and how long it is for you. On a general basis though, you shouldn’t be worried if you have freshers’ flu symptoms for a few days and then feel better again.
Freshers Flu Symptoms
Despite what its name suggests, freshers flu isn’t really flu, it’s more likely to resemble a very strong cold. While you may not have every symptom, here are some of the most common ones:
- Shivering
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Sneezing
- Headache
- Grogginess
Some of these symptoms (especially fever and dry cough) are also Covid symptoms. If you have either of those symptoms badly, it’s probably best to take a test. While the government says you no longer have to isolate if you test positive, you don’t know if you’ll meet someone who is immunocompromised/has an immunocompromised loved one. Therefore, If you’re ill and want to go out then it’s probably sensible to just do a test to make sure you don’t have Covid.
Freshers Flu or Covid?
So, is it Freshers Flu or Covid? As I mentioned earlier, some symptoms of freshers flu are also Covid symptoms. Well while the two bear many similarities, some of the key differences between freshers flu and Covid are that shortness of breath is common with Covid, yet not with the flu. Likewise, you are less likely to have a runny or stuffy nose if it is Covid vs a cold or the flu
So, the best thing you can do is be aware of your symptoms and keep track of them. The main symptoms of covid are (as I’m sure you know by now): a high temperature, a new and continuous cough and loss/changes to your sense of smell or taste. If you notice that you have any of these symptoms in particular, then do a test! Better to be safe than sorry.
So, hopefully, this guide will help you figure out what you’ve got. While the government has decided that covid is no longer a thing, it is still here and you can still get it now. The best thing you can do, no matter whether it is covid or Freshers Flu, is to stay away from people if you’re sick, eat healthily, get some sleep and not worry. And do a covid test. Just to make sure.
*Do not rely on this article exclusively to diagnose yourself. If your symptoms feel very bad, then seek medical attention as soon as possible! You should call NHS 111 or 999, depending on the severity.)
Read on for the best hangover cures to get you through Fresher’s week.
A student from University of Nottingham.
