The start of the academic year brings more than just excitement and new experiences—it often ushers in the infamous “freshman flu.”
This term, used to describe the wave of viral infections that hits new students during the first few weeks of university, has become a rite of age for many first-years. Close living conditions in dorms, shared common areas, and the excitement of meeting new people contribute to the rapid spread of illnesses. While freshman flu typically resolves within a few days, it serves as a prelude to a more serious concern: flu season.
In a campus environment where students are constantly interacting and sharing spaces, the spread of germs is almost inevitable. Freshman flu isn’t an official medical term, but it captures the experience of many first-year students who find themselves falling ill soon after moving into residence.
Symptoms of freshman flu include mild colds, coughs, and sore throats—most of which are the result of common viral infections rather than the influenza virus itself.
Freshman flu generally peaks in the first few weeks of September, well before the official onset of flu season, which typically occurs in late fall and early winter.
For students juggling academics, social events, and extracurricular activities, falling ill with the flu can result in impaired school performance and extended recovery times.
The spread of both freshman and seasonal flus are facilitated by the same factors, dense student populations, shared living spaces, and frequent social interactions. These infections tend to spread rapidly in residence halls, classrooms, and dining areas.
The constant interaction between students—whether through living arrangements, study groups, or campus events—provides ample opportunity for viruses to move from one individual to another. The situation gets worse when flu season begins, as the influenza virus can spread in much the same way, but with more severe consequences for student health.
The influenza virus spreads through tiny droplets from an infected person coming in with the mouths or noses of others.
“Students are becoming more aware of the importance of flu vaccines, especially after COVID[-19],” said Princess Talabi, Nurs ’24 and the student lead for Queen’s 2023 Influenza and COVID-19 vaccine clinic for staff and faculty, in an interview with The Journal.
Influenza, unlike the freshman flu, can lead to serious complications, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions. According to the Government of Canada Public Health Services, the flu hospitalizes thousands of people across Canada, and in some cases, it can be fatal.
To mitigate the impact of flu season, Queen’s promotes annual flu vaccinations as the most effective way to prevent illness. Flu shots are typically offered on campus through vaccination clinics, making them easily accessible to students.
“I, along with other volunteers, had the privilege of organizing and leading efforts that resulted in 705 vaccinations, nearly doubling the numbers from 2022,” Talabi said.
Ella Macrae, Nurs ’25 a volunteer student nurse at the vaccination clinic, stresses that prevention is key when it comes to freshman flu and flu season.
“Getting your flu shot is a great way to keep yourself and your community healthy. It’s a small poke for loads of protection,” Macrae said in an interview with The Journal.
While flu vaccinations are a key preventive measure, there are other important steps students can take to protect themselves during both the freshman flu and flu season.
Maintaining good hygiene is essential—frequent hand washing, using hand sanitizer, and regularly cleaning shared surfaces like desks and doorknobs can significantly reduce the transmission of viruses. Covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding close with sick individuals, and staying home when feeling unwell are also critical in preventing the spread of illness.
“The more students take responsibility for their health, the better we can prevent widespread illness on campus,” Talabi said.
According to Mount Sinai, the impact of flu season on a university campus is not to be underestimated. Influenza can spread rapidly in environments where students live in close proximity to one another, such as residence halls.
Students who live off-campus but attend classes or participate in campus activities are also at risk of contracting the flu. Given these factors, flu season poses a serious challenge for universities, as high rates of illness can disrupt academic schedules and strain campus healthcare resources.
“It’s important to recognize that flu season is just around the corner, and getting vaccinated early can help prevent a more serious illness later on,” Talabi said.
Queen’s University’s student wellness actively promotes flu prevention strategies throughout the fall and winter months. Educational campaigns, vaccination clinics and health advisories are all part of the University’s efforts to ensure students are informed about the risks of flu season and equipped to protect themselves.
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