Heart surgeon with 25 years of experience shares 4 smart hacks to protect yourself from flu in winter: ‘Use soap…’

By Admin

01 Jan, 2026

Introduction
The cold months make people more vulnerable to flu and seasonal infections, often making illness feel unavoidable. However, experts say that falling sick during winter is not a certainty. With simple and consistent daily habits, it is possible to reduce the risk of flu and support overall health even as temperatures drop.

Dr Jeremy London, a cardiothoracic surgeon with more than 25 years of experience, recently shared four practical ways to protect yourself from flu during the winter season. In an Instagram video posted on December 31, he explained that while eliminating risk completely is not possible, everyday habits can significantly strengthen the body’s natural defences.

Wash your hands regularly
One of the most effective and basic ways to prevent flu-causing pathogens from entering the body is proper hand hygiene. Dr London stresses the importance of washing hands frequently and thoroughly, especially after being in public places.

“Wash your hands and wash them often. Use soap or alcohol sanitiser, especially if you've been out in public,” he explains. Respiratory infections commonly enter the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth, making clean hands a crucial first line of defence.

Get the flu shot
Dr London also advises people to consider getting the flu vaccine. While it does not guarantee complete protection, it can lower the risk of infection and reduce the severity of symptoms if someone does fall ill.

“This is not a silver bullet, but it is effective at decreasing risk and the severity of the flu,” he notes. He adds that vaccination is a personal decision, emphasising individual choice with the reminder: “Your body, your rules.”

Prioritise the three pillars of health
According to the heart surgeon, winter is the time to double down on the three core pillars of health: sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Together, these habits strengthen the immune system and improve the body’s ability to fight infections.

“Sleep, nutrition, and exercise matter more than ever during this season,” Dr London says, highlighting that consistency in these areas plays a major role in staying healthy during colder months.

Consider immunity-supporting supplements
Dr London also suggests considering supplements that support immune health. He recommends vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc, stating that these nutrients have been shown to help support immunity.

“The big three – vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc – have all been shown to support immunity,” he explains. While supplements are not a cure or a guarantee, they can be part of a proactive approach to protecting health during flu season.

Final thoughts
Dr London concludes by reminding viewers that there is no foolproof way to prevent the flu or common cold entirely. However, preparing ahead and maintaining healthy daily habits can significantly reduce risk and support overall well-being throughout winter.

Note to readers
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.