New research into the causes of freshersÔÇÖ flu has uncovered findings that suggest mould, a type of fungus, in unhygienic student accommodation could be the culprit for this common illness.
This research takes the form of a survey of students, which has been carried out by Meaco, a British company that produces dehumidifiers. In October 2013, they surveyed 306 university students through Facebook to come up with the present findings.
They found that mould and damp in student residences caused health problems for 61% of students. Amongst the symptoms surveyed were common colds, throat irritations and headaches, which are all symptons of freshersÔÇÖ flu. The surveyed students were also afflicted with respiratory problems, as well as tonsillitis.
The survey also reported that students living in the midst of mould endured ÔÇ£depressing living conditionsÔÇØ and damage to important goods, such as clothing, carpets and books.
Their survey has not been entirely corroborated by Cardiff students. For example Alex Smith, who lives in a student house, has ÔÇ£had problems with mouldÔÇØ, but has avoided freshersÔÇÖ flu. This is in contrast to William Giles, who lives in a house which has avoided mould, but who ÔÇ£had a very high fever and a headache that lasted for more than 12 hoursÔÇØ over the past weeks.
He suggested that the cause of freshersÔÇÖ flu is ÔÇ£being in close proximity to other peopleÔÇØ, and that it is ÔÇ£just something you catchÔÇØ. Some students doubt the validity of freshersÔÇÖ flu, with Oly Marks opining that ÔÇ£itÔÇÖs overhypedÔÇØ. He wondered whether it is ÔÇ£just the result of a few weeks drinking a lotÔÇØ.
Dr. Luisa Dillner identifies a ÔÇ£collection of symptomsÔÇØ, including some of those found in the Meaco survey, like headaches and sore throats. She attributed the blame for this on ÔÇ£the combination of students coming from all over with viruses to share, litres of alcohol, late nights, a diet of junk food and workload stressÔÇØ.
Whilst it would be easy to discard the survey from Meaco as an advertising tool, it must be noted that the presence of mould and damp in houses does lead to health issues. The spores released from mould are allergens, which can cause negative reactions, and bring on the symptoms of fresherÔÇÖs flu.
Whether mould is a major contributor to fresherÔÇÖs flu is still up for debate. However, it has been known to contribute to a range of other health issues. As a result Cardiff Council recommends four steps to avoid it, which are producing less moisture, ventilating to remove moisture and improving home insulation.
These revelations bring into question the maintenance and quality of student accommodation. Universities should not be providing students with accommodation that is unsafe to live in.
Michael Arnott
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