Coventry labelled as hotspot for Freshers’ flu

Coventry has been ranked ninth among ten cities most susceptible to Fresher’s flu for the upcoming cohort of students for the next academic year.

According to Save the Student, Freshers’ flu refers to “a mixture of physical and psychological factors, which together batter away at your immune system and make you feel rotten.”

An assessment was conducted by supplement experts Vegetology, and considered criteria such as medical centre ratings, the university budget for health facilities per student, the average influenza vaccination uptake, and the availability of university-associated GPs.

Scoring 4.8 out of 10 for its capacity to manage flu cases, Coventry ranked the ninth-worst city for dealing with Freshers’ flu out of 10 in the UK.

The probability of exposure, determined by the undergraduate population, and the amount of flu remedy and symptom searches on Google were also considered in the analysis.

Scoring 4.8 out of 10 for its capacity to manage flu cases, Coventry ranked the ninth-worst city for dealing with Freshers’ flu in the UK.

Coventry was ranked 40% lower than Cambridge for dealing with the flu, which scored an impressive 8.8 out of 10. Coventry only scored 27% higher than the worst-performing area in the UK, Derby.

Cold and flu symptoms have been widespread among students across the UK in recent weeks.

This can be attributed to large gatherings and the close proximity of students, particularly during the first few weeks of term at both Coventry and Warwick campuses.

It is accompanied by the fact that the health facilities in Coventry are not as well-equipped or funded as those in leading universities such as Cambridge, which invests £1,113 per student for health purposes.

With the influx of thousands of new students in and around Coventry this year, Fresher’s flu remains a significant concern.

As the term starts and ‘Welcome Weeks’ have drawn to a close across the country, it is essential for both new and returning students in Coventry and Warwickshire to be aware of how to deal with catching Freshers’ flu.

Following rising cases of Freshers’ flu during Covid years, Warwick Students’ Union resolves to: “Mandate the Welfare and Campaigns Officer to encourage students to follow NHS guidelines, register with the University of Warwick Health Centre, and receive the flu-jab if they are eligible.”