September marks the return of children and young people to schools, colleges and Universities all over the UK. For many heading off to University this may be the first time that they have lived away from home and had to look after themselves, requiring a whole new set of skills!

Freshers’ Flu

Freshers’ Week, which often falls in September, is notorious for being one long week of partying hard at the expense of eating well and following good hygiene practice. The combination of too much alcohol, stress, lack of sleep, too much junk food and close contact with lots of new people can lead many first year students to come down with the dreaded Fresher’s Flu! As with any viral respiratory infection there are several main symptoms to look for and these may differ from person to person:

• Feeling tired or exhausted
• A dry cough
• Sore throat
• Headaches
• Aches and pains
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or being sick
• Diarrhoea or tummy pain

The best first aid response for Freshers’ Flu is plenty of rest, avoid alcohol and stress and eat a well-balanced diet. Ensure you also drink lots of water to avoid dehydration. Seek medical assistance if you start to feel worse, are unable to bring down a high temperature or you start to develop breathing difficulties.

Meningitis

Did you know that students are the second most at-risk group for contracting meningitis and septicaemia? First year university students are at particular risk as they mix closely with lots of new people. They also live in cramped housing or halls of residence with students who may carry the meningococcal bacteria without knowing!

Whilst there is a free vaccine available to protect students from four different strains of meningitis, there are still strains of meningitis which are not covered by the vaccine. This means it is important to recognise the symptoms of meningitis, even if you have been vaccinated, as you may still be at risk!

Early Symptoms include:

• fever
• headache
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• muscle pain
• stomach cramps
• fever with cold hands and feet

As the meningitis infection develops the following symptoms may develop:

• severe headache
• neck stiffness
• vomiting
• eyes become sensitive to light
• drowsiness

If you suspect meningitis follow these first aid steps immediately:

• Call 999 straight away and treat the fever whilst you wait
• Check to see if they have a rash of red or purple spots. If this doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass call 999, if you haven’t done so already
• Whilst waiting for help reassure the casualty and keep them cool.
• Keep checking their breathing, pulse and level of response

World First Aid Day 2019

September 14^th marks this year’s World First Aid Day. This is an event organised by The International Federation of Red Cross and red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to raise public awareness of how first aid can save lives in everyday and crisis situations. The IFRC believes that first aid should be accessible to all, including the most vulnerable!

Here at Trainingly we are passionate about promoting the importance of First Aid within the community and fully endorse the government’s proposals to teach first aid skills and CPR training, as part of compulsory health education, in all schools in England by 2020. We believe this is a move that could save thousands of lives!

We run lots of different first aid courses to suit all abilities. Whether you are a qualified childminder looking to complete or renew your OFSTED required first aid training or a first time parent looking for some basic information about how to keep your child safe…we run a course that is suitable for you. Check out our website for more information and follow us on  Facebook and Twitter.

Wishing you a safe but fun Freshers’ Week!

The Trainingly Team