Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 8 hrs ago
Doctors outline ways to support immune health during winter
As people spend more time indoors in winter, viruses circulate more widely and the risk of infection rises.
The immune system helps the body fight infections, but doctors say the goal is to support it rather than make it overactive.
They identify vaccination as the strongest protection against winter infections, including flu, COVID-19 and RSV for people who are eligible.
In the UK, vaccine eligibility depends on factors such as age, pregnancy and health conditions, so people unsure what they need can ask their GP.
The doctors also recommend getting seven to nine hours of good-quality sleep and eating a balanced diet with fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, lean proteins and healthy fats.
These steps can support overall health, although they cannot prevent every cold, flu or other virus.
Doctors say vaccination is the most important way to protect against winter infections.
Dr Anurag Bharadwaj and Dr Luke Powles recommend habits including enough sleep and a balanced diet to support immune health.
Bharadwaj says the goal is to regulate the immune system, not make it overactive.
He recommends eligible people get vaccinations, including flu, Covid-19 and RSV vaccines.
Bharadwaj says people should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep.
- Who
- Dr Anurag Bharadwaj, a consultant rheumatologist, and Dr Luke Powles, an associate clinical director.
- What
- They outline ways to support immune health during winter, including vaccination, sleep and diet.
- When
- The article was published on 12 October 2026 and discusses preparations for winter.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- To support the immune system and help protect against winter infections.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The immune system gets decided even before we’re born
Vaccination is most medically proven
While we can’t avoid every cold, flu or virus during winter, looking after your immunity is a really important aspect of overall health.
everybody should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep, especially in winter.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Article publication
- 12 October 2026
- Doctors
- Dr Anurag Bharadwaj and Dr Luke Powles
- Recommended sleep
- Seven to nine hours
- Vaccines mentioned
- Influenza, Covid-19 and RSV
Sources
Related news
TODAY invites viewers to share how its health coverage affected them
Letters link wartime food scarcity with health and food waste
Creatine may support muscle performance when combined with resistance training
Chef Ivan Barros shares a chicken and lentil bowl with 66 grams of protein
Vibration plates may support exercise, but evidence is mixed
Study questions claims that heel striking and cadence increase running injury risk
Dietitians say protein powder is optional and recommend checking labels
Dermatologist lists five signs that may point to scalp problems
Gut microbes may influence stress, hormones and sex drive
Protein powder and meal replacement powder serve different purposes
Hip Flexor Strength May Support Running Form and Endurance
