Exeter revealed as a hotspot for freshers' flu

A recent study has revealed Exeter as the second major hotspot for freshers’ flu in the UK.

The research, which was conducted by personal injury expert Claims.co.uk, analysed Google Keyword Planner data on over 2,400 cold and flu-related terms for each UK city from 2021 to 2023.

To pinpoint the cities most affected by freshers’ flu, the study focused exclusively on average monthly searches during September and October.

Claims.co.uk then weighed these results against the population of each city before ranking them from highest to lowest to reveal the freshers' flu hotspots.

Exeter ranked second, with 8,342 average monthly searches for cold and flu-related terms per 100,000 population in the two months following Freshers’ Week.

The only university to place above Exeter was Oxford, which was revealed has having 9,580 cold-and-flu-related searches.

Above: Research table. Image: Claims.co.uk

Known for its expanding student population, Exeter has seen a significant increase in student numbers over the last five years. 

In fact, data shows that the postgraduate population grew by 39% between 2019 and 2023, while undergraduates grew by 16%. 

As students return or begin their studies at the University of Exeter, the influx adds to the local population, increasing the likelihood of freshers' flu spreading during the autumn months.

Cambridge claims third place with 8,181 searches. 

Like Oxford, Cambridge is a prestigious academic hub that draws thousands of students each year. 

The annual influx of new students to its colleges contributes to the heightened risk of viral transmission, especially during the autumn term.

A spokesperson for Claims.co.uk said: “With summer coming to an end, the days becoming chillier, and school starting again, illnesses are bound to make an unwelcome return. While this happens every year, it is amplified in both large and small university hubs, as high numbers of students converge on their campuses all at once, making it almost impossible to avoid catching a cold or the flu.

“The data highlights the cities where the infamous freshers' flu is most prevalent, and it's no coincidence that the top 10 are all well-known university cities. It’s advisable for both parents and students to be extra cautious, to be prepared for anything by packing warmer clothes, and to ensure that medicines are readily available at all times.”.