O que é a gripe dos calouros e quanto tempo dura?

What is freshers' flu?

If you're starting university, you're probably looking forward to the assortment of fun - and often messy - social events at the start of term. Among students, this period of getting to know new friends is affectionately known as freshers' week, although it often lasts longer.

However, there is one aspect of freshers' week that no one looks forward to - the dreaded spread of freshers' flu.

For those not in the know, freshers' flu is the name given to the wave of colds and other bugs that spread quickly through the student population when autumn terms begins.

Thankfully, freshers' flu is not the same as the actual gripe - caused by the influenza virus - and symptoms don't tend to be as severe. This said, catching freshers' flu causes some flu-like symptoms and is by no means a pleasant experience. It can really put a dampener on the start-of-term celebrations.

Some students feel generally run down while others experience freshers' flu as a bad resfriado.

According to Hana Patel, a GP based in the Southeast London area, much like the common cold, symptoms of freshers' flu usually last for up to two weeks.

She adds: "But usually our bodies can fight off the infection within 3-4 days."

If you're still feeling unwell after two weeks, or you find your symptoms are becoming worse, you should speak to your doctor as it may be something else. If your university isn't in your hometown, this is one reason why it's important to register with a local doctor's surgery as soon as term starts.

Some students do manage to dodge this rite of passage, but if you are planning to mix with your new peers, Patel explains that there's no bulletproof way to avoid freshers' flu.

"As with any cold or flu, it's difficult to avoid freshers' flu as you can be unlucky and pick it up from anywhere," she says.

Bacteria and viruses can spread easily between people touching or even breathing close to each other. If you're sharing a flat or house, germs can also spread by people touching the same surfaces, such as door handles and kitchen counters.

This said, catching freshers' flu and other illnesses becomes less probable when you practise good hygiene.

Other ways to help avoid freshers' flu and other infections:

• Drinking plenty of water - staying hydrated helps your body prevent bacteria from entering the body.

• Getting enough rest - try to take some nights off during freshers' week as a lack of sleep reduces your body's ability to fight infections.

• Eating lots of fruit and veg - the vitamins in these foods can be used by your white blood cells to fight infections.

If freshers' flu strikes you down, don't try to push through it, no matter how much you're enjoying your new social calendar. Instead, keep your distance from others as much as possible, and take the time to look after yourself.

Looking after yourself with freshers' flu involves all of the healthy habits you can adopt to help avoid it.

Don't forget, the symptoms of freshers' flu could also be signs of other infections.

Remember, if you're travelling for university, register with your new local GP surgery as soon as possible. You can then enjoy university life safe in the knowledge that the support is there if you do fall ill or find you're in need of a vaccine.