10 Student Health Problems – When to Worry and When to See a Doctor
We will now describe 10 common student health problems – and when to worry, and when you may need to see a doctor.
1. Common Cold, Flu and COVID-19
- What it is: Viral infections affecting the upper respiratory system. They are very common and usually last 3-4 days and get better with no treatment. You don’t need to see a doctor.
- Symptoms: Runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever, and body aches.
- When to worry: If symptoms continue after 2 weeks; or worsen, or if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe headache.
- When to see a doctor: If symptoms are severe, last longer than expected, or if there are concerns about complications.
Note. Most people with suspected COVID-19 no longer need to have a COVID test (lateral flow test, LFT; or polymerase chain reaction, PCR).
2. Gastroenteritis (‘Tummy Bug’)
- What it is: An inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, usually caused by viral or bacterial infection, leading to symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting. Most people do not need treatment or to see a doctor. It gets better in 2-3 days.
- Symptoms:
- Diarrhoea (often watery)
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
- Dehydration (dry mouth, decreased urine output)
- When to worry: If there’s severe dehydration, bloody stools, prolonged vomiting, or fever above 38.5°C (101.5°F).
- When to see a doctor: If symptoms are severe, last more than 3 days, or if there are signs of dehydration, bloody stools, or severe abdominal pain. Seek immediate care for vulnerable groups (young children, elderly, immunocompromised).
3. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)/Cystitis
- What it is: An infection in the urinary system, often caused by bacteria, affecting the bladder (cystitis) or other parts of the urinary tract. They can happen for the first time in wone when at university, as this can be when they first start having sexual intercourse. This is called ‘honeymoon cystitis’.
- Symptoms:
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Frequent urge to urinate, even when there’s little urine
- Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
- Lower abdominal pain or discomfort
- Fever or chills in more severe cases
- When to worry: If symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience severe pain, fever, or blood in urine.
- When to see a doctor: If symptoms don’t improve within 24-48 hours after starting antibiotics (which you can get from a pharmcy) or if you have recurrent UTIs. Seek immediate care if you suspect a kidney infection (pyelonephritis; fever, back pain, nausea).
Note. If a man gets a UTI, they should asked to be referred by their GP to a hospital consultant called a urologist. If a woman has three in a row, or a severe one that does not clear up, they should also see a urologist.
4. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
- What it is: Infections transmitted through sexual contact, caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. There is a wide range from chlamydia to HIV.
- Symptoms:
- Vary widely depending on the STD; common symptoms include genital discharge, pain during urination, genital sores or warts, and itching.
- Many STDs are asymptomatic.
- When to worry: If you’ve had unprotected sex and are concerned about exposure, or if you notice unusual symptoms.
- When to see a doctor: If you suspect exposure or have symptoms. Regular screening is recommended for sexually active individuals, especially if new partners are involved.
Notes
- When young people go to college, they often start leading an active sexual life. Youth, freedom, and a hormonal (and alcohol-driven!) cocktail in their blood evoke a desire to start close relationships. This healthy and normal.
- However, many students turn a blind eye to the importance of safe sex. Hence young people in their 20s are most prone to get STDs since they neglect safety rules.
- Deal with it. When it comes to any kind of sexual activity, you should minimise your risk of infection by using condoms every time.
- This is the only form of contraception that protects against STDs as well as pregnancy. If you think you may have picked something up, or want to just make sure everything’s OK down there, visit your local sexual health clinic, or GP.
5. Infectious Mononucleosis (‘Mono’)
- What it is: A viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Also known as the ‘kissing disease’.
- Symptoms: Fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue.
- When to worry: If symptoms are severe, last longer than expected, or if there’s significant fatigue.
- When to see a doctor: If symptoms persist or if there’s severe sore throat, fever, or swollen lymph nodes.
6. Migraine
- What it is: Severe headaches often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light.
- Symptoms: Intense headache pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
- When to worry: If migraines occur frequently or interfere with daily activities.
- When to see a doctor: If migraines are severe, frequent, or if there are changes in symptoms or aura.
7. Concussion and Head Injury
- What it is: Traumatic brain injury from an impact to the head. It is common in contact sports like rugby and martial arts.
- Symptoms: Headache, dizziness, confusion, and memory problems.
- When to worry: If symptoms persist or worsen, or if there’s loss of consciousness.
- When to see a doctor: Immediately after any head injury, especially if symptoms are severe or if there’s confusion, vomiting, or loss of consciousness.
8. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis (there is often pus coming from the eye)
- What it is: An inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye and inside the eyelids. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria or allergies – viral is especially contagious (i.e. it spreads easily). It does not normally affect the vision.
- Symptoms:
- Redness and swelling of the eye
- Itching or burning sensation
- Discharge (watery or thick) that may cause crusting
- Increased tearing
- When to worry: If there’s severe pain, vision changes, or intense redness (after 3 days of eye ointment that you can get from a pharmacy).
- When to see a doctor: If you have visual loss, or symptoms are severe, persist, or if you suspect a more serious condition. Bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotic treatment. Viral conjunctivitis often resolves on its own.
9. Meningitis
- What it is: An infection of the protective membranes (meninges) covering the brain and spinal cord, often caused by viruses or bacteria. Outbreaks occur in universities, schools and colleges.
- Symptoms:
- Severe headache
- High fever
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to light
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion or altered mental state
- Rash in some cases (particularly with meningococcal meningitis)
- When to worry: If symptoms develop rapidly, especially the combination of fever, headache, and stiff neck.
- When to see a doctor: Immediately if you suspect meningitis. It’s a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing serious complications or death.
Note: A temperature and rash which doesn’t disappear if you roll a glass over it (non-blanching) is a medical emergency – go to A&E immediately.
A rash that does not fade under pressure can be a sign of ‘meningococcal septicaemia’. Meningococcal bacteria can cause meningitis and septicaemia (without meningitis).
10. Sprains
This type of injury is usually caused by damage to your ligaments and can be very painful. They are common in students because of the amount of sport done.
This pain is not going to go away over night, but these are some things that you can do to help. Just remember the acronym ‘RICE’:
- REST = You should be resting the area that is hurting
- ICE = Applying an ice pack (or more likely a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel) for up to 30 minutes can reduce pain and swelling
- COMFORTABLE SUPPORT = This used to be ‘compression’ but studies found compression can actually do more harm than good. Instead, just try to make sure that your limb is comfortable and in a good position
- ELEVATION = If you elevate the damaged limb there will be less further swelling.
You should be able to do gentle movement with your sprained limb within 72 hours. If you aren’t able to, then consult your doctor. If you need to go to hospital, a Minor Injury/Illness Unit (MIU) is ideal.
Other Minor Illnesses
Burns or scalds
If you or one of your housemates is unfortunate enough to burn or scold yourselves then the most important thing you can do is not panic. This is what you should do:
- Run the burn or scalded area under cold water for 10 minutes or until the pain ceases (whichever is the longer)
- If the skin is blistering apply a dry, clean loose dressing and take paracetamol for the pain (for up to 3 days)
- Honey or jam on the burn for 24 hours reduces blistering
- If the skin is broken or the burnt/scolded area is larger that 5 inches in diameter, you should go rapidly to your local A&E department.
Cuts
If you cut yourself it is important not to panic, you have to keep a clear head to be able to assess the situation. A little blood can go a long way. Here is what you should do:
- Wash the cut with water
- Put a clean dressing on it. This doesn’t need to be a plaster it can be something like a clean handkerchief. Then apply pressure to reduce the bleeding
- Raise the injured area above the heart (you may need to lie down if its the leg), if the bleeding is moderate to severe and won’t stop
- Once the bleeding has stopped put a clean dressing on the wound. Be careful not to peel off a scab as this can cause the bleeding to start again)
- Go to hospital if the wound cannot be cleaned or the bleeding is uncontrollable, maintaining pressure on the wound.
Rashes
It is relatively common for people to develop rashes. For example, if it affects your hands, this can be a mild reaction to something that you have come in contact to like a washing powder. Some people are more prone to rashes than others.
- A mild antihistamine can be bought from the pharmacist to bring down the rash without a prescription
- If the rash is itching a moisturising cream like E45 can help
- Contact your doctor is the rash lasts more than 72 hours
- Go to hospital if:
- The rash doesn’t disappear when a glass is rolled over it and/or bad headache, neck stiffness or light hurting your eyes (see meningitis)
- Or you have any mouth or tongue swelling, or difficulty breathing (suggesting possible severe allergy called ‘anaphylaxis’).
Here are 10 common contagious skin rashes. All can be passed from one student to another.
Nose bleeds
If you or someone you live with is having a nose bleed it can be tempting to follow the old wives tale of putting your head back. This is in fact the opposite to what you should be doing.
- Sit upright over a bowl and pinch your nose just below the bone for 10 minutes
- Avoid blowing your nose or having hot drinks for the next 24 hours if possible.
- If this is unsuccessful and the bleeding doesn’t appear to stop after an hour, go to the hospital.
All these health issues can significantly impact students’ well-being and academic performance. Early recognition and intervention can help manage these conditions effectively.
OK. OK. But where do I go if I want to see a doctor?
There are alot of options:
- Local GP (to your uni)
- Uni-based GP
- Home GP (if you have not moved GP practice)
- Go to your nearest Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC). These are also called Urgent Care Centres (UCCs), Walk-in centres or Minor Illness/Injury Units (MIUs). Google your nearest one. These are very good if:
- You think you need to be seen F2F and be examined
- Out of hours (evenings, weekends and bank holidays)
- You do not need an appointment. You can just turn up.
Note. Only go to A&E if you are very unwell, and think need admitting to hospital.
Summary
We have gone through the 10 common student health problems (and a few others); and when to worry, and when you may need to see a doctor.
The most important thing is that when you are sick you take it easy and try to feel better. Also always consult a doctor if your think that your condition may be serious. It is always better to be safe that sorry.
And the NHS is here to help you. Never worry about troubling us.
