ITV’s health expert Dr Amir Khan has shared crucial advice on tackling the wave of viral infections that are currently rampant, highlighting that ‘antibiotics don’t work’. He spoke about how to fend off the dreaded ‘lurgy’ in a TikTok video, emphasising that while the immune system can combat these infections over time, prevention is key.
Dr Khan noted we are experiencing particularly high levels of sickness this year, stating: “I am not kidding when I say we are seeing high levels of viral infections, colds and flus going around, and there isn’t much that we can do about it as doctors because antibiotics don’t work and your own immune system will eventually fight them off. But here are five things that we could all do to reduce our risk of catching that dreaded lurgy.”
One fundamental recommendation from Dr Khan is to maintain high standards of personal hygiene. He advised: “Number one Easy peasy. Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating or preparing food. Also, wash your hands after using the bathroom. I know I shouldn’t have to say it, but you have to do it. Wiping your nose. Wash your hands coming into contact with someone who has a cold wash your hands. Remember the main way cold viruses are spread are through droplets that can get onto your hands, so wash them frequently.”
Dr Khan has issued a five-point guide on how to stave off colds this winter, providing vital tips to keep those pesky viruses at bay. “Number two. This is really hard, but avoid touching your face a lot. Cold viruses can spread from our hands into our eyes, nose or mouth, and I know it’s hard to do, and I know you can just do it without thinking. But try and avoid it where you can.”
Cleaning high-contact areas in your home and workplace is essential; “Cold viruses can live on doorknobs and other places people often touch. So think about the common surfaces that people touch in your workplace and home, and either avoid them or disinfect them regularly.”
When it comes to hand hygiene, soap and water reign supreme, although there’s an alternative; “It’s not as good as good old soap and water, but it’s better than nothing.”
As for maintaining general health, Dr Khan reiterated the importance of lifestyle choices: “Keep your immune system tip top. Get enough sleep. Eat a healthy, balanced diet with lots of plants in and exercise so your body is ready to fight off germs. I can’t stress the importance of these three things enough. Remember, this is an added point. People with colds. Nobody wants your cold. If you have a stinking cold, stay at home. If you can cough and sneeze into tissues, throw them away and then wash your hands immediately.”
The NHS outlines the main symptoms of flu and stresses the significance of minimising its spread.
- a sudden high temperature
- an aching body
- feeling tired or exhausted
- a dry cough
- a sore throat
- a headache
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea or tummy pain
- feeling sick and being sick
How to avoid spreading the flu
Flu is highly contagious and can be easily transmitted to others, particularly within the first five days of infection. The virus is spread through germs from coughs and sneezes, which can survive on hands and surfaces for up to 24 hours.