Frat Flu: How to Avoid It & What to Do If You Get Sick

What is the frat flu?

Frat flu is a cold college students get after attending a frat party. “Frat flu” is a term coined by college students used to describe the sickness they experience after a night of partying. The frat flu is commonly spread at the beginning of the school year and consists of symptoms like a runny nose, congestion, coughing, headaches, and nausea. The frat flu is not an actual medical diagnosis. According to many doctors, the frat flu is simply a cold or upper respiratory infection.

What causes the frat flu?

Increased exposure to people Most college students get the frat flu at the beginning of the school year because of the sudden increase in the amount of people around them. With large class sizes, shared living spaces, and crowded parties and social events, students are more likely to interact with someone who has a virus. Illnesses also have an incubation period in which there are no symptoms, so sick people may go to parties and infect others without even realizing they’re sick.

Poorly-ventilated party spaces College parties are often held in cramped areas without proper ventilation. Because of this, germs can’t escape the area and people are more likely to catch them, especially when they’re all touching the same surfaces and interacting closely all night.

Alcohol consumption Even if alcohol consumption isn’t chronic, it can still negatively affect your immune system and health. Drinking at parties that are already crowded and poorly-ventilated will likely only make you feel worse if you get sick, especially if you drink excessively. If you’re going to drink, do so responsibly.

How long does frat flu last?

Frat flu can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. How long the frat flu lasts depends on what your symptoms are and how strong they are. In general, mild symptoms like a cough or a scratchy throat should disappear within 3-4 days. If the symptoms persist, you may have something stronger than the common cold. See a doctor for medical advice and/or medication.

How to Avoid the Frat Flu

Get vaccinated. While the frat flu is usually just a cold, frat parties can also expose you to more serious illnesses, like the actual flu or Covid-19. Make sure you’re up-to-date on all of your vaccines so you’re less likely to get sick. Contact your doctor or pharmacy to get vaccinated.

Wash your hands and shower regularly. Maintaining good hygiene is extremely important, especially when you’re living in close contact with lots of other people. Wash your hands regularly and shower every day. After attending a party, shower as soon as possible when you get home to get rid of any germs you may have picked up.

Avoid people who may be sick. Try to minimize close contact with anyone who has any symptoms of an illness. If you do interact with someone who is sick, wash your hands or take a shower as soon as possible, and be on the lookout for any symptoms over the next several days. Disinfect any areas you share with the sick person, as well.

Hydrate before partying. It’s always a good idea to stay hydrated when you’re drinking, but it can also help boost your immune system and prevent you from getting sick. Drink plenty of water leading up to the night of your party, and avoid excessive caffeine consumption. Boost your electrolytes to help avoid a hangover and fend off any viruses or germs you may pick up.

Get plenty of rest. It can be tempting to pull all-nighters to party (or do homework), but a lack of sleep can weaken your immune system, which in turn can cause you to get sick more easily. Try to go to bed at the same time each night and aim for a healthy 7-9 hours, especially if you plan on partying the next night.

Eat healthy foods. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help boost your immune system so you’re less likely to catch a cold. Opt for fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C to keep your immune system strong, and round out your diet with lean proteins and whole grains.

Minimize stress. This may be easier said than done for some college students, but try to keep your stress levels down. Too much stress can actually suppress your immune system and cause you to get sick more easily. Remember to take time to unwind and do the things you enjoy, and consider practicing a stress-reduction exercise like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.

What to Do if You Have the Frat Flu

Stay away from others. If you’re sick, try to keep to yourself as much as possible so others don’t catch your illness. Avoid unnecessary social interaction, like parties, and wear a mask when you do have to be around others. Don’t share food or drinks, and stay a safe distance from others.

Take over-the-counter cold medicine. In most cases, the frat flu is just the common cold, so unless your symptoms worsen or persist, prescription medicine shouldn’t be necessary. To knock your symptoms out, consider taking some over-the-counter cold and flu medicine, following the dosage provided on the package.

Drink plenty of water. Just as it can help prevent you from getting sick, staying hydrated can help you feel better when you are sick. Drink lots of water and other beverages that are rich in electrolytes. Water helps your immune system fight off illness by flushing out toxins and allowing white blood cells to reach their target faster.

Drink warm, anti-inflammatory liquids. In addition to drinking plenty of water, having a warm, comforting drink can also make you feel better. For example, opt for a cup of tea with lemon and honey. Both lemon and honey have anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe symptoms like a sore throat. A light broth or soup is also a good idea if you can’t handle solid foods.

Allow your body to rest and recuperate. Quality sleep can sometimes shorten the duration of an illness, as it allows your body time to heal and repair itself. Getting enough rest helps boost your immune system so your body can fight off illness. Don’t force yourself to be productive and active—listen to your body and let yourself recover.