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Dr Amir Khan has shared the habit he hopes people will introduce at home and in schools (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Dr Amir Khan has detailed his “key message” for British households and public areas this winter, while expressing frustration that too few people take his guidance seriously. With freezing conditions settling in, countless people find themselves vulnerable to colds, flu, bugs, and various seasonal illnesses.
Dr. Amir Khan has passionately conveyed a crucial advisory for UK homes and communal spaces as winter approaches, expressing disappointment over the widespread disregard for his recommendations. As the chill intensifies, many individuals remain susceptible to colds, flu, and other seasonal ailments.
Recognized for his frequent appearances on Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, Dr. Khan shared a strongly endorsed health tip on his podcast with Cherry Healey. In a video shared on Instagram, the GP emphasized, “My primary advice, which I repeat endlessly and it frustrates me that it often goes unheeded, is to ventilate indoor spaces. These viral particles persist in the air.
“By opening windows or doors, and if possible, using an air filter equipped with a HEPA filter, you can significantly reduce the presence of viral particles, lessening the chance of inhaling them.”
He continued, “Consider this: if every classroom in Britain were equipped with a HEPA filter air purifier, imagine the reduction in infections among children, and consequently, fewer viruses being spread to families. The impact would be substantial, making ventilation or air purification in classrooms a revolutionary step against winter viruses.”
HEPA, or High Efficiency Particulate Air, filters are designed to trap dust, pollen, mould, bacteria, and various airborne particles, enhancing air quality.
Co-host Cherry Healey highlighted its importance at home, explaining, “I’ve heard it’s referred to as ‘burping’ the house; the idea is to open doors and windows daily to expel stale, stagnant air and welcome fresh air in. It’s recommended to do this every day, and it’s called ‘burping.’”
The technique helps prevent mould while enhancing air quality and minimising pollutants. The brief duration ensures minimal heat loss, despite cold temperatures outside.
Experts suggest doing this once or twice daily, particularly upon waking in the morning, or following cooking or bathing to help revitalise your home during the damp, cold winter months.
Instagram users were eager to weigh in on the guidance. One commented: “Always got a window open! I knew I was right.”
Another said: “So true… I know people who keep the heating on and the windows closed when they have a flu/virus. It drives me mad… fresh air is a game changer!!”
A third person said: “YES!!! Why isn’t this common knowledge??? When the pandemic hit, I was so happy because I thought now finally people will learn a few basics. Washing hands, wearing a mask when sick to protect others, and ventilation. But nope.”
Another added: “I don’t know why people just don’t open the windows on buses as well. They’re all steamed up and a germ factory. I always open a window for ventilation and then get strange looks, but it’s all for health reasons. People are so weird about that on public transportation.”