Freshers' flu, what is it and how can you minimise it?
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
We've all heard of it, students move into their new residence and are ready to take on freshers' week - a ritual that most students go through filled with lots of late nights in packed clubs, communal kitchens and congregating anywhere offering cheap drinks!
Just when they begin to get their first snippet of independence, the inevitable happens.. they get hit with freshers' flu, but what actually is it?
What is freshers' flu?
Despite it's name, freshers' flu is not actually influenza, it's a term to describe when a mixture of the common cold viruses tackle you all at once. Although the good thing is that it's not an actual flu and is rarely serious, it can make you feel very run down. Mixing all different people in communal environments is bound to cause some problems as respiratory viruses are constantly evolving so even the small differences between variants can mean the body's immune system doesn't recognise them, forcing it to start from scratch.
However, if someone develops severe symptoms, such as a high fever, a rash, confusion, difficulty breathing or a stiff neck, they should seek medical advice immediately, as these could be signs of a more serious illness such as meningitis.
While it's impossible to prevent every illness, maintaining high cleaning standards can help reduce the risk of viruses spreading throughout campus.
How can you minimise the spread?
One of the most common ways for viruses to spread can be due to dirty surfaces, common touch-points and poor personal hygiene. University campuses are full of shared spaces where large numbers of people come into contact with the same surfaces throughout the day. Viruses can spread through respiratory droplets when people cough or sneeze, but they can also be transferred via contaminated hands and frequently touched surfaces. It starts with using the correct products and knowing which key areas to stay on top of.
What to look out for?
Focus On Key Touch Points
In universities there are lots of communal areas which require daily cleaning, these areas include but are not limited to:
Door handles
Lecture theatre desks and seating
Lift buttons
Handrails and banisters
Light switches
Café and restaurant tables
Shared kitchen surfaces
Washroom fixtures
To minimise the spread of viruses and bacteria you must look out for products that meet recognised standards and comply with BS EN 14476 (Virucidal Disinfectant) &/or BS EN 1276 (Bactericidal Disinfectant helping ensure effective protection against a wide range of microorganisms.
Regular Hand Washing
It may seem obvious but maintaining regular hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of viruses. Universities can support students by ensuring hand wash facilities are well stocked, encouraging regular hand washing through clear signage and providing hand sanitiser in high-traffic areas where appropriate. We've put together a useful guide that breaks down why it's so important to use the right hand care products for the each circumstance.
Maintaining Clean Communal Environments
Shared accommodation, shower blocks, laundrettes and communal kitchens all play an important role in student wellbeing. Keeping these facilities clean and hygienic not only improves the student experience but also helps reduce opportunities for bacteria and viruses to spread.
Regular cleaning schedules, appropriate cleaning products and clear hygiene guidance can all contribute to healthier shared environments.
If you're reviewing your campus cleaning procedures or if you require technical advice on infection prevention products, our technical team is happy to help. Contact us at technical.enquiries@cleenol.co.uk.
