ITV Lorraine and This Morning doctor Amir Khan has issued a 'lurgy' warning amid a big rise in viral infections.

Dr Khan also stressed that ‘antibiotics don’t work’ and gave his 5 top tips for beating the dreaded cold.

Speaking on his TikTok channel, he explained that people can take action to try to avoid getting the ‘lurgy’ which is currently spreading throughout the UK.

Dr Khan said in most cases the person’s immune system should be able to see it off - but gave some tips to stop getting it in the first place. 

In the video, he said: “I am not kidding when I say we are seeing high levels of viral infections, colds and flus going around, and there isn’t much that we can do about it as doctors because antibiotics don’t work and your own immune system will eventually fight them off. But here are five things that we could all do to reduce our risk of catching that dreaded lurgy.”

Personal hygiene is one of the key tips. Dr Khan said: “Number one Easy peasy. Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating or preparing food. Also, wash your hands after using the bathroom.

"I know I shouldn’t have to say it, but you have to do it. Wiping your nose. Wash your hands coming into contact with someone who has a cold wash your hands. Remember the main way cold viruses are spread are through droplets that can get onto your hands, so wash them frequently.”

Because colds and other viruses get into the body through the head, Dr Khan said to keep your hands away: “Number two. This is really hard, but avoid touching your face a lot. Cold viruses can spread from our hands into our eyes, nose or mouth, and I know it’s hard to do, and I know you can just do it without thinking. But try and avoid it where you can.”

Cleaning up your house is the third main point; “Cold viruses can live on doorknobs and other places people often touch. So think about the common surfaces that people touch in your workplace and home, and either avoid them or disinfect them regularly.“

The fourth tip is that soap and water is best - but alcohol-based sanitiser is also useful. “It’s not as good as good old soap and water, but it’s better than nothing.”

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General health is the last and most important tip and that’s achieved by living a sensible lifestyle.

Dr Khan advised: “Keep your immune system tip top. Get enough sleep. Eat a healthy, balanced diet with lots of plants in and exercise so your body is ready to fight off germs. I can’t stress the importance of these three things enough.

"Remember, this is an added point. People with colds. Nobody wants your cold. If you have a stinking cold, stay at home. If you can cough and sneeze into tissues, throw them away and then wash your hands immediately.”