With a crisp chill in the air, the leaves changing colours and falling to the ground, everyone is back at uni and away from their summer holidays. Well, we all know that one thing is on its way.
Okay, it actually means several things, like amazing pumpkin pie, warm drinks on cool nights and um, it also means everyone is about to get a cold.
Yep, flu season has officially arrived people. I’ve seen it on the bus, on the tube and everywhere in between. We’re all delaying the inevitable. So when the lovely crew at Chemist.co.uk got in touch to chat all things flu survival, I was game. Because without fail, when the season changes I get sick. This has been happening since school, uni and I’m currently in a struggle against it now in my mid-20s out in the workplace.
But today, we’re talking 5 things you need to survive Freshers Flu. Despite the fact that I’m out of university now (wah!), I know that a lot of my readers are still there or heading there shortly. And believe me, when you go from the cosy comforts of home off to a campus filled with so. many. people. you’re bound to catch a cold.
It’s life, it happens and hey, it’s OK.
Over the years, I’ve gotten very good at the whole stocking up on the essentials. These little babes have a nice place in my desk and are ready to rock and roll and kick the flu before you have to cancel on the big party happening on Friday night. No one wants to deal with FOMO and the flu, you know?
So I’ve put together the survival kit that you need, along with the help of Chemist.co.uk.
5 things you need to survive Freshers Flu
1. Lippy – Nivea Lip Butter Original
There’s nothing worse than being caught out with dry lips. It’s one of my general life pet peeves, so in my purse at all times is a cute little hun to get me through the day. When you’re run down with the flu? You need it more than ever. Dry lips don’t feel good, it’s less for vanity and more for making you feel better. Pop in on your desk in class and reach for it as your go to. No one will even know you’re feeling under the weather. It’s our secret.
2. Emergenc-C
I think my dad actually introduced me to this beauty. We have this over in the states, so when I used to ask about it when I moved to Edinburgh for my master’s degree, no one really knew what I was on about. But it’s a serious lifesaver! Whenever I start to feel myself getting sick, I have one of these. Instead of grasping for your morning coffee, start your day by mixing it with some orange juice for a nicer flavour. It helps. Then move onto your caffeine fix.
3. Cold & Flu Relief – Nurofen
When the original Nurofen just won’t cut it, I turn to these. Sometimes we need to get the over the counter stuff, but in survival mode you need something fast. Finals week, date nights and catching up with friends? Make sure to add this to your arsenal agains the Fresher’s Flu. I typically kept it in my desk or backpack at uni when I could feel the cold coming on (or you know, when you’re in that full blown sickness mode).
4. Strepsils – Honey and Lemon
I’d never had Strepsils until I moved to the UK, but oh my goodness, these guys helped me survive my year in Edinburgh at uni, where I found myself sick constantly. Pro-tip, don’t fall asleep with these in your mouth.
5. Bronze Lotion – Dove Summer Shimmer
Call me vain because I am. While I of course, would recommend the traditional staples to get you through a cold, sometimes you definitely need the extra pick me ups that I think always make me feel better when I’m unwell. The little glow you get from tanning lotion helps because when you look better, sometimes you feel better. You know when you’re sick in bed and feeling so rubbish, but then force yourself to shower, slap on some lipstick, jeans and a tee and somehow, your spirits are lifted? Yep, I fully encourage doing what you need to to get back to being you again.
A few other winners that should be on your radar? Dextro Energy, Chesty Cough Pastilles, Lucozade Energy and Dextrose drinks. Getting some energy wherever you can is good in my books!
OK, and here’s the best part that has me hooked? Chemist.co.uk will deliver within 3 working days. I always found that when I started to get sick, I would be too busy with writing papers, tests and classes to get myself the help that I needed. And forget trying to get an appointment at the university health centre, it was constantly booked up! So I really like the idea that I can get everything I need delivered right to me, which makes being sick a whole lot easier.
There you have it guys, my foolproof survival kit to stay healthy during Fresher’s Flu season.
Get your energy up, combat the cold so you can focus on what’s important, fun with friends! (And you know, that whole studying thing.)
Kelly xoxo
PS. This is a collaborative post with Chemist.co.uk but all opinions, flu survival tips and photos are my own.