Freshers flu or ‘silent killer’? The 5 conditions rife in uni students – and when it’s an emergency

SENDING your child off to university is a rollercoaster of emotions.

You are likely racked with worries. But as you pack them off with enough tinned food to feed a small army, take a moment to give them a few nuggets of information that could prove life-saving.

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Mingling in Freshers Week provides the perfect breeding ground for bugs to spread, typically branded “freshers’ flu” as students suffer symptoms such as a runny nose, coughing, sore throat, feeling tired and generally run down.

But, in rare cases, it could be something far more sinister, the UK Health Security Agency has warned.

Here, Melanie King, senior pharmacist at Pharmacy2U, explains what you should make your kids aware of.

Measles

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WHERE once the UK was declared measles-free, that status has now been stripped away.

To be “measles-free”, MMR vaccination rates must hit at least 94 per cent, but in March 2024, only 85 per cent of five-year-olds had received both jabs.

This means the virus is spreading and poses a threat to anyone who is not double-jabbed, with almost 2,500 cases of the highly infectious ­disease confirmed this year.

The MMR jab covers measles as well as mumps and rubella. Melanie tells Sun Health: “While the MMR jab can be given at any age, most UK students will have already had two doses.

“If they have only had one dose it is worth booking a doctor’s appointment to get them vaccinated before they go off to university.

“The vaccine has a very good safety record and any side-effects are usually mild – and certainly less worrying than the possible complications of measles, mumps and rubella.”

Mental health

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BEING thrust into a new environment at 18 can be overwhelming.

“While many students are excited to leave home for their studies, moving away from family, friends and other social and emotional support networks can negatively affect a ­student’s mental health,” Melanie says.

“The challenges of independent living and loneliness can also have an impact on personal wellbeing, as well as the pressure to develop a new social identity.”

As well as GPs and Samaritans (call 116 123) many universities have mental health advisers to offer free and confidential consultations

Between the late nights, learning new life skills and making friends, students may feel tired or low.

Melanie adds: “Signs of deteriorating mental health may include drinking more, becoming increasingly irritable or aggressive, or feeling hopeless.

“As well as GPs and Samaritans (call 116 123) many universities have mental health advisers to offer free and confidential consultations.”

The NHS’ Every Mind Matters includes tips and well being advice (nhs.uk/every-mind-matters).]

STIs

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IT is not an easy conversation to have but it is a necessary one. Sex without a condom can lead to STIs and pregnancy.

“Only condoms prevent people from getting and passing on sexually transmitted infections,” Melanie warns. “These are important for freshers at university who may be meeting new partners and be unaware of that person’s sexual history.”

Cases of chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhoea are on the rise in England, with UKHSA warning in August it has detected 15 cases of a new super gonorrhea that is resistant to treatment.

Melanie says: “It is recommended that young people who are sexually active get tested at a sexual health clinic either once a year, or when they change sexual partners. Most universities have a sexual health clinic on campus.”

You can also get free contraception at sexual health clinics. With the hassle of signing up to a new GP and getting an appointment, women could run out of contraception.

Melanie says: “If you feel embarrassed picking up contraception, it’s worth looking into an online ­service that can offer virtual consultations and deliver medication.”

Meningitis

PARTICULARLY common among teenagers and young adults, meningitis can easily be mistaken for a cold or flu, or even a hangover.

Ahead of the new term, UKHSA warned that students can get “seriously ill, and some ­tragically die” from meningitis each year.

It is usually triggered by a bacterial or viral infection which causes swelling of the layers ­surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Melanie says: “Left untreated it can be life-threatening, so it’s important for students to get vaccinated and seek medical help immediately in the event of any symptoms.”

The MenACWY vaccine is given to teenagers at school but can be given up to the age of 25 if it was missed. It is recommended students get it at least two weeks before starting university or as soon as possible.

But it cannot protect against all strains, so it is wise to know the symptoms that distinguish meningitis from a typical illness, including sensitivity or dislike of bright lights and a stiff neck, plus a rash that fades when pressure is applied may occur.

Glandular fever

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WITH more sharing, mingling and kissing comes the risk of glandular fever.

Melanie says: “Freshers’ flu can often be ­confused with glandular fever, which can be more severe.

In rare cases glandular fever can also lead to other conditions such as hepatitis, cause kidney or heart problems, or lead to chronic fatigue ­lasting several months

“Known as the ‘kissing disease’ because it can be transmitted through saliva, glandular fever can also be passed on by coughing and ­sneezing or sharing cups and cutlery.

“It can take up to three weeks to fully recover, and some may feel extreme ­tiredness for months afterwards.

“In rare cases glandular fever can also lead to other conditions such as hepatitis, cause kidney or heart problems, or lead to chronic fatigue ­lasting several months.”

Glandular fever can cause swollen glands, tonsillitis or a sore throat that is not getting better and a very high ­temperature.

These symptoms warrant a trip to the GP, the NHS says, with rest and the intake of painkillers and plenty of ­fluids in the meantime.