Outsmarting Winter Bugs: Simple Hygiene Habits for a Flu-Free Winter

1. The 20-Second Power Scrub

Hand hygiene remains your first line of defence. Throughout the day, we touch countless surfaces, picking up germs that can hang around for hours.

The 20-second handwashing rule is the gold standard, and a quick splash just won’t get the job done. Aim for a thorough scrub with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and crucially, don't skip the drying. Germs transfer more easily to and from wet hands, so ensure they are completely dry before touching common surfaces again. If you're out and about, hand sanitiser is the perfect partner to bring along.

2. Targeting the "Germ Hotels"

We often focus on our hands, but what about the items our hands touch most? High-touch surfaces are essentially germ hotels where viruses can linger.

• Mobile Phone: We take our phones everywhere, yet rarely clean them. Regularly wiping your phone with an isopropyl alcohol wipe can significantly reduce the germs you carry around daily.
• Office Kitchen: Communal kettles, microwave handles and fridge doors are major points of cross-contamination. A quick wipe of these surfaces before and after use helps protect you and the whole team.
• Keyboard & Mouse: If you share a desk or use a laptop in public spaces, these surfaces can quickly collect winter bugs, so be sure to stay on top of cleaning these items where possible.

"Your mobile phone can carry up to ten times more germs than a toilet seat”, says Xin Ng, Pharmacist Manager at Health Partners Participating Pharmacy, Blooms the Chemist. The good news is that a gentle wipe down with a soft alcohol-based wipe should get rid of most of the bacteria, fungi and viruses sitting on your phone. It's also a good idea to wash your hands several times a day to stop germs transferring to your phone.

3. The Power of Fresh Air

Often in winter, the instinct is to seal the house tight to keep the warmth in. However, germs thrive in stagnant, indoor air where they can linger, ready to pounce. Whenever possible, try opening a few windows for at least 10-15 minutes. This flushes out stale air and reduces the concentration of airborne viruses in your living and workspaces.

4. Stop the Spread

During flu season a little social space goes a long way. If you need to cough or sneeze, use the vampire method: into the crook of your elbow rather than your hands. This prevents germs from spreading to whatever you touch next, like door handles or shared equipment.

If you use a tissue, be sure to bin it, don't pocket it. Keeping a used tissue in your pocket keeps the germs close by.

Most importantly, if you aren't feeling 100%, the best thing you can do is to stay home and prevent further spread.

5. Refresh Your Personal Items

Germs can linger on personal items longer than we think.

• Toothbrushes: If you’ve just recovered from a bout of illness, replace your toothbrush to avoid re-introducing germs.
• Hand Towels: In a busy household, damp hand towels are a breeding ground for bacteria. Switch to fresh towels more frequently during the winter months.
• Kitchen Sponges: These are often the dirtiest items in a home. Replace them weekly or sanitise them regularly.

6. Your Ultimate Flu-Fighting Partner

While hygiene habits are fantastic shield-builders, the gold standard for protection is the annual flu vaccination. It is the most effective way to significantly reduce your risk of getting the flu and reduces the severity of the illness if you do happen to catch it.

We know life can be busy so we want to make this as easy as possible. We offer free flu shots^ to eligible Health Partners members (aged 5–64) at over 50 participating pharmacies across our great state

• Book your spot: Visit our Flu Clinics page to find a local pharmacy near you.
• Easy access: From the stunning beaches on the Fleurieu Peninsula to the Clare Valley vineyards, we’ve got over 50 Health Partners participating pharmacies ready to help.
• No cost: Just present your membership card (physical or digital card via the Health Partners app) at your appointment during the promotional period (1 March – 31 August 2026) to make sure you don’t get charged.

Staying healthy this winter doesn't have to be complicated. By focusing on these specific germ-fighting habits alongside the protection of a flu shot, you’re giving yourself the best chance to stay active all season long. If you have questions or need help finding a pharmacy, our local team is just a call away on 1300 113 113.

Sources:

• Healthdirect Australia: Hand Washing
• Australian Centre for Disease Control: Preventing the spread of germs through hand hygiene
• Australian Centre for Disease Control: Preventing spread of respiratory viruses
• SA Health: Flu (Influenza) prevention
• Time: Your Cell Phone Is 10 Times Dirtier Than a Toilet Seat. Here's What to Do About It
• Queensland Health

^{^}Offer applies to Extras and/or Hospital members. Member must be financial and waiting periods do not apply. Offer available during promotional period only (1 March – 31 August 2026) when stock becomes available. 1 influenza vaccine per eligible member when administered at a Health Partners participating pharmacy for members aged 5 years and up to 65 years. Covers approved, seasonal egg-based influenza vaccine for eligible Health Partners members only. Cell based, high dose or boosted (adjuvanted), or internasal vaccines are not eligible for this offer. Only available at a Health Partners Participating Pharmacy that has elected to participate in this promotion. Pharmacies reserve the right to only vaccinate certain age ranges for clinical reasons. Clinic session days and times vary from store to store. Offer does not count towards annual pharmacy benefit limits. Health Partners is in no way involved in the management of pharmacy administered vaccinations. We will not pay benefits for members who are eligible for Federal Government funded vaccines under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) or South Australian (SA) government funded vaccine programs, irrespective of vaccine supply. If you are under 5 or over 65 years you are not covered by the Health Partners free flu shot program. Health Partners does not cover any NIP or SA funded program costs including administration, consultation or service fees that may be incurred if such a vaccine is administered in a pharmacy or doctor’s clinic. No benefits apply for boosters. Vaccination bookings available on a first come first served basis in the cases of high demand.