Dr Ranj Singh, appearing on BBC Morning Live, has said that a £1.10 hand sanitiser can make a significant difference in preventing colds, flu and COVID-19 this winter. He highlighted the rise in illnesses during the season, noting that flu positivity is growing and arrived in the UK earlier this year.
Flu cases rising earlier in 2026
Dr Singh explained that flu, caused by the influenza A virus, predominantly affects the nose, throat and lungs. It spreads through infected respiratory droplets, close contact, and touching contaminated surfaces. He said: "So what we've seen this year in 2026, we've seen an earlier rise in cases. So in October 2025, we had a lower test positivity. Now it's slightly higher in October 2026."
The doctor described hand sanitiser as the 'big' item people can buy to avoid illness. He said it reduces the transmission of many infections, alongside hand washing. He noted that sanitiser works well for most viruses like COVID and flu because those viruses are wrapped in a fatty layer that alcohol breaks down, killing the virus. However, he warned it does not work for Norovirus, which has a protective protein armour that alcohol cannot penetrate well enough.
Ventilation and key Covid symptoms
Dr Singh also advised opening windows, saying ventilation is really important because many of these viruses are respiratory and airborne spread. He reminded viewers of three key symptoms that could indicate COVID-19: loss of smell and taste, and gastrointestinal symptoms, which are quite predominant in COVID.
For prevention, he suggested masks in high-risk situations, especially around very vulnerable people, and noted that COVID vaccination is being offered to certain high-risk groups.
RSV risks for children and the elderly
On RSV, respiratory syncytial virus, Dr Singh described it as a 'mild illness but can be really bad if you're elderly.' It can cause bronchiolitis in children under five, which can land them in hospital. He said children under two are particularly vulnerable, especially if born prematurely or with chronic lung or heart conditions. They may experience laboured breathing, feeding difficulties, or pauses in breathing, often requiring hospital supportive treatment.
He stressed the importance of careful hygiene and being cautious around small children if you have the virus.
