Wednesday September 16th 2026
Dr Ron Cook, NHS 24’s Medical Director
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The new academic year is about to start across Scottish Universities, which means Fresher’s Flu is on the horizon. Campuses from UHI Shetland to Crichton in Dumfries could see a rise in what is not actually the flu, but a mix of symptoms that spreads from students sharing communal spaces.
Following the outcome of research, NHS 24 is encouraging young people to know the right place to find trusted health advice and support for Fresher’s Flu and other low acuity issues. The research revealed that more than three quarters of young adults would not try to manage minor illnesses themselves, making them the least likely age group to self-care when unwell.
Revealing a clear generational gap, just 24% of 16 to 24-year-olds would try to manage a low acuity condition such a sore throat, earache or sprained ankle themselves, compared with 46% of people aged 65 and over. Young adults were also among the most frequent users of GP services, often for issues that can be easily resolved at home, highlighting the importance of knowing where to turn for the right advice at the right time.
NHS 24 is also warning against relying on getting health advice from unverified sources such as social media, generic web searches, or AI chatbots.
Dr Ron Cook, NHS 24’s Medical Director, said:
“For many students, starting college or university is the first time they have had to manage their health independently. That can make it difficult to know what can be safely managed at home, when a pharmacist can help, and when it is right to contact a GP.
“Our research shows young adults are less likely to self-care for minor illnesses and in the absence of a trusted health professional may turn to social media, web searches or AI chatbots for reassurance. The risk is that health advice from unverified online sources can be inaccurate, out of date, or unsuitable for individual circumstances.
“With age comes experience, and our research suggests older people are often more confident about managing minor illness and knowing when to seek clinical help. We want to help students build that same confidence early, so they know where to go for accurate advice and when to seek further support.”
NHS 24’s student health campaign highlights practical steps students should take before term starts, including registering with a local GP and dentist, knowing where to access mental health support, and using NHS inform for trusted health advice. Any students who are unsure which vaccinations they may be eligible for, including the meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine, should also visit NHS inform for the latest information and advice.
Dr Cook continued:
“Common seasonal illnesses such as colds, sickness bugs, hay fever, sore throats or mild coughs can often be managed with rest, fluids, over-the-counter remedies, and advice from NHS inform or a local pharmacy, without needing a GP appointment.
“When looking for health information, NHS inform should be your first port of call. It offers accurate, up-to-date advice reviewed by NHS professionals, helping students understand what they can do for themselves and when they should seek further help.”
For advice and support before term begins, visit the NHS inform student health page.
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