Do you know what frat flu is? You should be aware of the following. Although probably a variant of the common cold, the illness has been called the “frat flu” since discovering it in Greek Life, LSU students have been using Twitter and TikTok.
“Frat flu” is a term used to describe the feeling of sickness that can come after a night of partying. The reason for this is likely due to a combination of factors, including dehydration, exhaustion, and exposure to new people and germs,” “Parties, particularly those at colleges, are frequently held in small, poorly ventilated areas. As a result, the perfect conditions may be set up for the spread of germs. It makes sense that so many people get sick after a night of partying, especially when you consider that people are likely to touch objects and each other all night long.”
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What is the Frat Flu?
Contrary to what the name suggests, the “frat flu” isn’t even the true flu. Our immune systems are weakened and more vulnerable to bacteria after a weekend of drinking. The next set of symptoms includes a sore throat, congestion, headache, and nausea. The frat flu is essentially the common cold with a more entertaining name that alliterates.
The frat flu’s main drawback is that it is very contagious. College is a high-stress environment even if you aren’t partying, and stress can make your body more susceptible to illness when combined with other factors like lack of sleep. For the sake of your peers (some of whom may be immunocompromised), it’s essential to be responsible when you’re feeling under the weather, even if it is just a cold. Never forget that everyone is affected by illness differently!
Symptoms to Look Out For
Breathing Hurts:
It should not happen with just a common cold if there is painful respiration or chest pain, which can be an indication of an infection or inflammation.
Persistent Cough:
Colds that can last longer than two weeks frequently feature coughs as a symptom. However, if the cough produces blood or thick, greenish-yellow phlegm, is painful, or is worsening, you should go see a doctor.
Lasting Or Very High Fever:
The internal body temperature is increased to eradicate the infection as your body fights off foreign invaders. Normally, a fever of over 100.4° F can last from a couple of hours to almost three days. If your fever persists after this time, your body may be battling more severe infections. Any fever that reaches 104°F is serious and necessitates medical attention.
Having Symptoms for Longer Than 10 Days:
Usually, a cold lasts no more than 10 days. It is advised to see a doctor if your symptoms persist or do not improve after 10 days.
Fighting the Frat Flu at Home
So, suppose you catch the frat flu. The frat flu is treatable at home with a variety of methods, just like the common cold. You can fight this nasty virus with items you probably already have on hand because it isn’t the most serious illness on the planet.
- Drinking Plenty of Fluids, Including Juices and Water
When you’re feeling under the weather, a hot, comforting cup of tea or bowl of soup is one of the best remedies.
A cup of hot tea with lemon and honey will do wonders for your illness if you’ve been suffering from a sore throat. Lemon and honey both have anti-inflammatory qualities that can calm your throat and provide you with the comfort you require. In terms of soup, a mild broth can provide you with the same calming sensation when you’re not feeling well. If it contains ginger, bonus points!
- Getting Lots of Rest
Last but not least, the best thing you can do for your body if you have the frat flu is to rest. The majority of parties take place on the weekends, so you should allow yourself some time to recover before returning to class.
- Some Additional Ways to Reduce Flu Symptoms Include:
- taking a warm bath with Epsom salt or baking soda to relieve aches
- using a humidifier to add moisture to the air
- applying a vapor rub to the chest, for adults
- using a saltwater gargle
- trying supplements, such as vitamin C, probiotics, or echinacea
What’s the Difference Between Frat Flu and Covid?
Frat flu and COVID-19 symptoms do overlap, which can be perplexing at times. But there are some definite, significant differences between the two.
What sets frat flu apart is that its symptoms present themselves right after you gain consciousness from your wild self-indulgences the night before,” Kingsley explains. “Frat flu-inflicted people would experience an immediate, but gradual, onset of limited symptoms triggered by the common cold that can end up with one being bedridden for days or even weeks — they can’t miss it.
Contrary to COVID, though. A wider range of symptoms, including those that might be unusual for a hangover from a recent party or any other common health condition, such as loss of taste and smell and breathing problems, are present when COVID-19 manifests itself two to fourteen days after virus exposure.
According to the CDC, some signs of COVID-19 to watch out for include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, and muscle or body aches.
Summary
Antiviral medications can be prescribed by doctors to reduce the severity of the frat flu. Frat flu sufferers should get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids to recover.
A person should always consult their doctor before taking a supplement because some of them can shorten the duration of the frat flu. Additionally, using a humidifier or taking a warm bath at home can help someone’s symptoms subside.
FAQS
How long does the flu last?
Most symptoms go away in 4 to 7 days. The cough and fatigue could last for several weeks. Sometimes, the fever comes back.
Does vitamin C prevent the flu?
After the administration of a megadose of Vitamin C, reported symptoms of the flu and cold in the test group decreased 85% less than they did in the control group.
