With the beautiful colors on Prez Lawn and parties galore on weekends, we are in the peak of fall frenzy. However, with fall comes many respiratory illnesses and the continuation of the “freshman flu.”
So, what actually is the freshman flu that is so often spoken about? The “freshman flu” is a common umbrella term used among university students to describe the variety of respiratory illnesses that first-year students contract during their first few months at college. It is common for first-years to contract different illnesses at the beginning of college due to the immune system’s exposure to new bacteria in dining halls, shared living spaces and libraries. Many of these spaces are also shared with sophomores and upperclassmen, which increases the scale and extent of the spread of illnesses. These illnesses impact the lungs, nose and throat and are most commonly characterized with cold and influenza-like symptoms. However, in many cases, the freshman flu is not actually the influenza virus and simply refers to a variety of respiratory illnesses.
The common cold, scientifically known as an upper respiratory tract infection, is caused by a variety of viruses and is characterized with symptoms like a sore throat, coughing, sneezing and runny nose. Rhinoviruses are single stranded RNA viruses that are one of the leading causes for the common cold. They are spread through respiratory droplets in the air from coughing and sneezing, contaminated surfaces and close contact with an infected individual. Symptoms of rhinoviruses typically begin after 12–72 hours after exposure and can last over a week. There are currently no immunizations to prevent rhinoviruses, so it is important to know the signs and symptoms and treat them as best as possible.
Another common respiratory virus is respiratory syncytial virus. RSV causes symptoms like congestion, runny nose, coughing and sneezing 4–6 days after exposure to the virus. The virus itself is very contagious for the first 3–8 days of symptoms, and individuals remain ill for up to 2 weeks. RSV spreads just like the common cold. However, unlike the common cold, there is a vaccine for RSV which helps control the virus and is recommended for specific populations, such as people aged 75 and older.
Widely known as the flu, influenza is yet another respiratory illness that can be responsible for the freshman flu. It includes symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat and stuffy nose. It is spread through respiratory droplets and is highly contagious. There is an annual vaccine that is widely available and highly recommended by physicians in order to prevent influenza.
Finally, though the current rates and cases are lower than those from the pandemic, COVID-19 persists as another frequent fall-time illness. The disease itself presents in a variety of ways, most commonly with cold-like symptoms but also with some niche symptoms like loss of taste and smell. It spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact, however, it is highly contagious, and those who are infected but asymptomatic can also spread the virus. There is a vaccine for the virus, which has helped lower case rates and decrease the spread.
A major concern with all of these fall respiratory illnesses is the fact that they often present with similar symptoms, which makes it difficult to differentiate between them without testing and diagnostics. These illnesses are easily spread with students in close quarters at the many social events happening on campus. A great way to prevent many of these illnesses is to get vaccinated. Vaccines are currently available for RSV, influenza and COVID-19, so it is worth checking if you are eligible to receive one of these vaccines. On the whole, general wellness measures like managing a balanced diet and getting adequate rest also play a large role in strengthening and maintaining the immune system. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, it is a great idea to see Tufts Health Services as soon as possible.
