Why Flu Is Hitting So Hard This Winter (And How to Actually Avoid It)

2026-01-13

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In this episode, Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey cut through the myths around immunity and flu, including why you can’t boost your immune system, the role of gut health, vitamin D, stress and ventilation. Dr Amir and Cherry explain what’s really making people ill, and the simple habits that can reduce your risk this winter. We've partnered with ⁠Randox Health⁠. Take their Everyman and Everywoman health check at ⁠randoxhealth.com⁠ - just use the code NAN15 to save 15%. Results will arrive in just 2 hours from your sample arriving at the lab.

We've partnered with ⁠Randox Health⁠. Take their Everyman and Everywoman health check at ⁠randoxhealth.com⁠ - just use the code NAN15 to save 15%. Results will arrive in just 2 hours from your sample arriving at the lab.

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Have a question, feedback, or want to suggest a topic? Email: noappointmentpodcast@gmail.com

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The content of No Appointment Necessary is for general information, it's not a substitute for a personalised medical assessment. Always consider your own medical history and personal circumstances before acting on any health information.

A Viral Tribe Production

Developed and produced by James Carpenter & Jo Scarratt-Jones

Chapters

00:00 – Why Flu Is Everywhere Right Now

01:10 – Why “immune boosting” is a myth

03:20 – Can You Improve Your Immune System?

05:00 – Ginger Shots vs Real Food

06:30 – How your diet trains (or sabotages) your immune response

09:40 – Stress, Sleep & Why Being ‘Run Down’ Makes You Ill

11:20 – Phytoncides, forests and why walking outside genuinely helps

13:05 – Alcohol - the immune damage no one wants to talk about

15:20 – Why movement strengthens your body’s defences