How Do I Tackle Flu And Cold Symptoms During University?

As summer draws to a close and we head into the colder months, we’re all anticipating the flu and cold symptoms to kick in – right?

It’s one of the main reasons why this time of year is hated by so many. Like, no one really wants to feel forced into staying in bed and watching Netflix all day…we want to do that on our own accord!

If you’re studying at university, and maybe you feel like you’ve caught the dreaded Freshers Flu, you might want to stick to reading this blog to find ways you can tackle your symptoms.

Whether it’s a runny nose, sore throat or just common cold symptoms, these 7 ways will help you get back to feeling yourself in no time! 

What Is The Difference Between Cold And Flu Symptoms?

Flu VS Cold symptoms – which is worse? Well, many of the symptoms are very similar with both illnesses, so it’s important you’re clued up on them!

Usually, you’ll know when you have a cold because your symptoms will be mild and tolerable.

These include a mild fever, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat or a cough. 

With the Flu, symptoms can include a fever, or feeling chills, cough, sore throat and muscle/body aches. You may even feel waves of fatigue (tiredness). 

What Should I Do If I Feel These Symptoms? 

1. Take A Test

The words NO ONE wants to hear, but HAVE to be said…take that damn test!

Covid-19 is still prevalent in the world today and considering you’re at university, you need to be wary that you’re bumping into new faces every single day.

The main symptoms of coronavirus are a continuous cough, high temperature, ‘Covid Toes’ and a loss of taste or smell.

Even if you have some of these symptoms, or feel like it’s just a common cold, it’s best to get yourself checked!

The last thing you want is to pass it onto someone who ends up suffering badly from their weakened immune system.

2. Get Plenty Of Fluids

Now, we’re not talking about alcohol here (much to everyone’s dismay)…we’re actually talking about fluids such as water, juice, smoothies etc.

Keeping on top of your fluids will mean your respiratory system is hydrated, allowing your organs and muscles to work and get you back to your good old self!

Drinking liquids is also good for soothing headaches as well, something you might be suffering with if you’ve got the flu virus or common cold. 

3. Top Up On Medicine 

Over the counter medications, such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen, are fantastic at easing your severe symptoms whilst feeling ill. 

Choosing the right medicine for your illness can help battle the germs and help you to feel better – what’s not to love?!

A top tip, just because branded medicine is more expensive, does NOT necessarily mean it works better! 

It has been shown that the active ingredients in branded and unbranded medicine are often identical. The only difference is normally the packaging…crazy – right?

4. Get Your Vitamins

Healthy foods often contain a ton of vitamins and minerals, perfect for helping combat your cold and flu symptoms. 

Although no specific food can cure your cold symptoms, eating the right types of foods can make you feel less lethargic and aid your recovery!

Vitamin C is great for the common cold, and if you’re suffering with a sore throat, Zinc (lozenges) are fab for soothing the pain!

Firm favourites, in terms of food, include soup, flavoured teas, warm dinners and spicy food.

Spicy food may not sound like something you’d expect to see, but it will certainly help clear your sinuses out!

5. Rest

Yes, that’s right! Rest is one of the best ways to help battle through flu season. 

Your body needs time to relax, reset and get back to feeling its normal self. If you’re forcing yourself to carry on with life as normal, this could set you back even further! Now seriously, who wants that?

Take time to watch your favourite TV programmes and catch up on some sleep…you won’t regret it!

6. Try Some Home Remedies

They may be unproven in the world of science and experiments, but some home remedies are known to have a super effect on people’s health and symptoms!

Have you heard of any? We’ve got a bunch which sound like they might work, check them out below!

Honey Tea

Honey mixed in tea is a classic when it comes to having cold symptoms, especially a sore throat.

A study found that honey was more effective at calming night time coughs, than cough suppressants…wow!

Ginger

Ginger is one of the healthiest spices on the planet, especially when it comes to tackling col and flu symptoms. 

It contains a mineral called Gingerol, which has powerful medicinal properties! 

Garlic 

Garlic is another remedy which has been used for decades to fight flu viruses. 

Studies have shown that garlic may reduce the risk of becoming sick in the first place, as well as how long you stay sick. So, will you start putting more garlic in your diet?!

7. Keep In Mind – It Won’t Last Forever

Honestly, one of the most draining things about developing mild symptoms of a cold or flu is the feeling that it’s going to last forever.

You kinda take for granted what feeling ‘well’ is like, and not suffering from an aching, tired body!

This feeling won’t last forever – we promise! Keep smiling and ease symptoms by taking into account everything we have said here. 

If you do however feel like you’re not getting any better, it’s best to pop in to see your GP for further help. After all, they are the experts!

We hope you’ve learnt a lot from this run down of what to do if you get a cold whilst at university. Make the most of being stuck in your student accommodation all day watching Netflix…it won’t come around often! If you need some inspo on what to watch, we have the top crime documentaries– you lucky buggers!