NHS leaders are urging Midlands’ students to look after their health as they start their time at university during Welcome Week (also known as Freshers Week) this month.

As university term starts, students are coming together in accommodation and mixing closely in lecture halls, tutorial studios as well as socialising. This means winter illnesses – such as coughs and colds – can quickly circulate.

There are some simple steps students can take to keep on top of their health needs, especially if they’ve moved away from home.

The best thing is to download the NHS App.  It helps the user find the best healthcare for them as well as easily accessing personal healthcare information.

The App can be used to request repeat prescriptions, receive reminders from the surgery and to check vaccination status.  Some GP practices have online consultations enabled which means if you’re not able to call the practice then you can send them a message and a healthcare professional will get in touch direct.  This service is also available on all GP practice websites.

For students who have moved away from home, it’s important to register with a GP as soon as term starts.  This can be easily done on the NHSApp with a few simple clicks.

The NHSApp also accesses NHS111. Those unsure if they need urgent care can answer a few simple questions and NHS111 will let them know the best course of action. This includes dental problems such as infection or persistent toothache.

Students that feel they need mental health support can also refer themselves to Talking Therapies. It’s for those struggling with feelings of depression, excessive worry or social anxiety. This NHS service is available in person, by video, over the phone or as an online course.

Dr Vijay Rawal, Regional Medical Director for Primary Care for NHS England (Midlands) said, “There is so much for new students to take on over the first few weeks, healthcare can easily be forgotten. But as students are mixing with new people in close environments and going into the cold winter months of coughs and sneezes, it is important to make sure you have a registered GP and are up to date with vaccinations.”

Being aware of vaccination status, is particularly important when students are mixing more in the first few weeks of term, and especially during Freshers Week. This is where prevalent viruses are on the rise.

Universities can be hot spots for COVID-19, flu, measles, mumps and meningococcal disease as they present the perfect opportunity for infections to spread.

Students are also being urged to use condoms to protect themselves and others from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are highest in young people aged 15 to 24 years, with more than 350 diagnoses every day in this age group in 2024.

Finally, students will greatly increase their chances of keeping healthy by taking care of themselves.

Student life may not be renowned for early nights and healthy eating, but getting enough sleep and eating well will mean students have a better chance of staying healthy.

The NHS has resources available on staying healthy and how to eat a balanced diet, including advice about vegetarian and vegan diets.

Any healthcare advice can be searched on www.NHS.uk.