Up and down the country teens are diving into their first term of the new academic year at University. If that's you, you've unpacked your pots and pans, your group chats are popping and you've probably diarised out your favourite clubs nights. The only thing you probably didn’t think to prepare for? Fresher’s Flu.

At first, it seems like a myth, something that only happens to “other people,” but in reality, it hits more students than those all-access wristband deals. By the time month one is over, you might find yourself tucked under the duvet, coughing and wishing you’d thought about powering your immune system earlier. With a few clever moves, you don’t have to spend the term feeling completely wiped out. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is Freshers’ Flu?

Despite its name, it’s not actually the flu. It’s a term used for the collection of bugs, colds, and infections that spread rapidly during the initial weeks at university. Why does it hit so hard? Because your immune system is trying to cope:

New germs everywhere. You’ve gone from living with your family to sharing space with strangers and spending nights in crowded clubs. Germs are having a field day.

Lack of sleep. Let’s be honest, you’re not turning down any nights out during Freshers.

Stress overload. New city, new people, new timetable. Your brain is working overtime.

Shocking diet. Instant noodles, chips, and whatever you can find at 2am aren’t doing your immune system any favours.

The result? Your body is running on low power while you’re out every night acting as if it has unlimited energy.

What Does Freshers’ Flu Feel Like?

It might seem like just a sniffle, but Freshers’ Flu is more persistent than that. Watch out for:

1. Sore throat
2. Blocked or runny nose
3. Persistent cough
4. Headaches and constant fatigue
5. Mild fever and body aches

When to Seek Help?

Most Freshers’ Flu cases pass in 5–10 days, but seek medical advice if any of the following occur:

·      Fever above 39°C

·      Severe sore throat with white patches

·      Shortness of breath or chest pain

·      Symptoms worsening after a week

·      Unable to eat or drink

The Essential Freshers’ Survival Kit

If you’re a fresher, prioritising your health probably isn’t at the top of your list. Parties and hitting the bars are way more tempting than veggies and early nights. But surviving Fresher’s Flu means playing it smart. Here’s the toolkit you actually need:

 Sleep is key

You don’t need eight hours every night, but you should nap when you can. Even 20 minutes helps your body recover, recharge, and strengthen your immune system so it can fight off germs more effectively.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Water over shots. Swap a few alcoholic drinks for water and keep a bottle on you throughout the day. Staying hydrated supports your immune system, keeps your energy up, and helps flush out toxins so colds and infections hit you less hard.

Eat something that isn’t beige

Grab an apple, add spinach to your pasta, or order a side of veg with your late-night takeaway. Vitamins, minerals, and fibre all feed your immune system, helping it respond faster when new germs show up.

Maintain basic hygiene

Wash your hands, wipe down kitchen surfaces, and change your sheets regularly. Keeping germs under control reduces the load on your immune system, so it can focus on fighting actual infections instead of constantly battling bacteria around the flat.

 

Your Secret Weapon: Leapfrog IMMUNE

Sleep, water, and vegetables definitely help, but let’s be honest, you’re not living like a wellness influencer right now. That’s when Leapfrog IMMUNE jumps in. Here’s what makes it your ultimate backup:

Zinc - Your immune system’s secret weapon, speeding up recovery and keeping germs in check. 

Lactoferrin - A clever protein that knocks out viruses and harmful bacteria before they cause chaos.

Vitamin C - A boost of energy and immune support when your diet isn’t doing you any favours.

Add Leapfrog IMMUNE to your daily routine - or take it at the very first sign of symptoms -  and give your immune system a fighting chance to survive Freshers’ Week and beyond. Take care of yourself, and you’ll swerve the sick days while everyone else goes down like dominoes.