For students outside of Greek life, fraternity lingo can feel like a foreign language, yet one term has transcended the Greek glossary: “frat flu” colloquially describes the wave of viral upper respiratory infections that spread at collegiate social events. For many Gauchos, “frat flu” infections seem inevitable, Greek-affiliated or not — so is this virus a uniquely Greek phenomenon or an unavoidable consequence of the UC Santa Barbara experience?

NATHAN VILLASEÑOR / DAILY NEXUS

Shared beverages, crowded spaces and limited ventilation create conditions conducive to viral transmission. Influenza viruses, for example, remain viable on hard surfaces for 24 to 48 hours and thrive in environments filled with frequently touched surfaces.Additionally, the physical proximity inherent to social interactions within fraternity settings amplifies infection risks. 

In an interview with three sorority members at UCSB, who were granted anonymity upon request to speak freely about their experiences, participants described their experience with typical “frat flu” symptoms, including cough, fever and even conjunctivitis (pink eye). The duration and severity of illness varied, with two participants reporting academic repercussions such as missed lectures and lower midterm performance. These setbacks are not uncommon — according to the American College Health Association, 44% of college students who contract respiratory illnesses experience negative effects on their academic performance.

One interviewee harbors a grudge toward her suspected “patient zero” and asserts that the virus she contracted in Isla Vista felt different from the common flu, recalling severe symptoms that left her bedridden. 

She hypothesized that the transmission dynamics within Greek-affiliated social circles create distinct epidemiological patterns that contribute to the spread of illness with unique symptoms. To cite her succinct phrasing, consistently engaging in “casual hook-ups” ensures “you’re gonna get sick eventually.”

Another major contributor to the spread of “frat flu” is the harmful effect of alcohol on the immune system, which is further exacerbated by the misconception that drinking alcohol boosts immunity. In reality, ethanol — the organic compound found in alcohol —  inhibits immune cells. Monocytes, specialized white blood cells critical to immune defense, develop into two types: macrophages, which engulf bacteria and release proteins to destroy them, and dendritic cells, which coordinate immune responses with other white blood cells. A single episode of binge alcohol consumption significantly reduces monocyte functionality within two to five hours. Although low-moderate consumption is linked to a lower risk of “all-cause mortality,” the immune system is weakened in the short term.

Misconceptions about ethanol’s immune influence aren’t the only myth that fuels “frat flu.” The idea that alcohol can “burn germs” on communal bottles is false: alcohol concentration must be 60-80% to render bacteria inactive, far above the alcohol content in most beverages. 

Additionally, on cold nights out, the “alcohol blanket” phenomenon gives partygoers a sense of warmth, but this sensation is a consequence of alcohol dilating blood vessels. Blood flow then shifts to the skin’s surface and circulates past sensory neurons within the outermost layer of the skin, evoking a positive physical response. Although this “beer blanket” effect may feel comforting, it does not actually keep the body warm. Without sufficiently warm clothing, exposure to cold night air can weaken the immune system, making partygoers more susceptible to enhanced viral replication when cold night air enters the airways.   

In addition to Gaucho partying habits, academic stress may also contribute to “frat flu.” Chronic stress triggers norepinephrine, a hormone which supports mood and alertness. Yet this effect, located in the sympathetic nervous system, also increases cortisol secretion, suppressing immune function by diverting critical resources such as glucose away from immune cells. Once stress hormones subside after exams, students may celebrate and rejoin the party scene just as their immune system finally attacks accumulated pathogens, leaving them more susceptible to “frat flu” symptoms.

So, why do we keep partying in the constant presence of “frat flu?” One factor is the optimism bias, a cognitive tendency to underestimate our chances of negative experiences. Our perceptions of risk versus reward are shaped by environmental social context — Isla Vista’s unique nightlife can make a weekend out with friends feel more rewarding than staying healthy. Fear of missing out further compels students to party — even when they’re already sick, as all three interviewed sorority members confessed.

Even with precautions to avoid being patient zero, “frat flu” (or getting sick in general) can often be a rite of passage for college students. Luckily, most respiratory viruses are mild, while avoiding social gatherings altogether can raise alternative risks — such as increased loneliness, a growing concern for college students. College campuses are arguably germy in general, and the best lines of defense include receiving annual influenza vaccinations, practicing hygiene in social environments and avoiding communal “borgs” and bottles, whether the virus at large has fraternity foundations or not.

A version of this article appeared on p.10 of the Feb. 27, 2025 edition of the Daily Nexus.