How to Avoid Freshers Flu and other hazards of going to uni!

With all the new students back in Hampshire this October, cases of flu are on the up as germs from across the country collide.

Flu isn’t the only thing that new students need to worry about though with cases of sexually transmitted infections or STIs increasing year on year.

Getting an STI at uni is fairly common and the only way to avoid it is by abstaining or practising safe sex. Carrying condoms can certainly help as can avoiding drinking too much alcohol.

Chlamydia and human papilloma virus are the most common STIs around but herpes and gonorrhoea are also possibilities.

These conditions can be very painful and have serious long terms effects on your fertility. The only way to be sure that you are not infected is to get yourself STI tested.

A final thought is that your own number of previous partners offers little protection as you may have only slept with one person but you will need to factor in all the people they might have slept with too! Sex is great, sex should be enjoyed but like all good things it should be enjoyed responsibly! Tips to stay safe

1. Don’t drink too much or take drugs which may leave you vulnerable

2. Use condoms and always practice safe sex

3. If you do have unsafe sex then get tested don’t bury your head in the sand

4. Get tested for sexually transmitted infections regularly to keep on top of your own sexual health and ask new partners to get a sti test too

5. Remember that there aren’t always symptoms and you could be putting your fertility at risk by leaving it to chance.

Make time for your health!