It’s that time of year when the entire nation's student population suffers under the tyrannical grip of freshers’ flu. Lectures are accompanied by a symphony of coughs. Essays are Lemsip-fuelled. Strepsils are discovered to be entirely useless. And a small band of survivors seek sanctuary in their rooms, eating copious quantities of easy-peel satsumas for that burst of vitamin C. 

The truth is, that unless you actually forswear the company of other human beings and perpetually wear a surgical mask and gloves, then there’s not much you can do to avoid it. The combination of sleep deprivation, a staple diet of alcohol and the sheer volume of new people that you meet in the first few weeks of term transforms most campuses into Petri dishes of disease. (By the way, I don't actually recommend the whole surgical mask idea!)

However, looking after yourself is easy enough and it’s definitely the best way to avoid the flu – or failing that, to help you weather the storm.

Get your beauty sleep

This may sound obvious, but remember to sleep. And eat. We need between seven and nine hours of sleep to function properly. Apart from the obvious benefits like avoiding dark under-eye circles (priorities = sorted), sleep allows your body to repair, and boosts the immune system. And it’s free! So don’t skimp out on it.

An apple a day…

After a week of eating meals that resemble the carbohydrate section of the Eatwell Plate, I realised that man cannot live on Snickers alone. Get some vitamins and omega into your system! Citrus fruits, berries, and those good old winter favourites spinach and broccoli are supercharged with immune system-boosting vitamins and minerals.

Take a walk

Is there anything better than feeling the wind in your hair as you walk through Cambridge, unconsciously photobombing dozens of tourist selfies, and dodging near-death experiences with bicycles? And as if that isn’t enough, fresh air and exercise can work wonders on the immune system too! Have a go at punting, or go for a run! Although if you opt for the running option it’s probably best to check out Google maps before you do, so that you don’t end up lost in a field full of cows (of which there are a surprisingly large number in Cambridge).

Be a little bit hygiene obsessive

At times like this, a little bit of hypochondria can be a good thing. I’m not suggesting you go all SWAT team, dousing anyone who so much as clears their throat with antibacterial mist, but basic personal hygiene is always a good plan. That’s right. No double-dipping. Also, scope out the lecture hall before you commit to a seat. Avoid sitting in the vicinity of anyone violently coughing or sneezing. If your friend has become a human incubator of disease, just wave cheerfully and avoid them like the plague. It’s not being rude, it’s being careful!

Weather the storm

And if despite your best efforts the flu gets you, don’t stress! Stock up on Lemsip, comfort food, tissues… and relax. This too, shall pass