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Coronavirus

Having transferred from animals (possibly bats) in November 2019, it only took a few months before almost the entire world was in lock-down, or at the very least having restrictions placed on their day to activities.

The club is tracking UK deaths along with a history of government advice and key points in its history - view the Coronavirus UK Deaths Tracker.

What is coronavirus?

COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Symptoms to be vigilant for are fever, cough, and shortness of breath

Most people who are infected will only suffer mild symptoms - or even none, known as asymptomatic.

However, high-risk groups may suffer severe pneumonia and multi-organ failure. Mortality rate increases rapidly with age, with over-70s particularly at risk.

How can you catch coronavirus?

The main transmission route for the virus is via respiratory droplets - that is, the mist produced when coughing. It can also survive for several days on surfaces (such as door handles) so it also also possible to contract the disease by touching contaminated surfaces.

How can you reduce your risk?

Currently there are no prophylactic drugs available, so these simple steps are your best advice:

  • wash your hands frequently - particularly have touched public surfaces
  • don't touch your face as it's easier for the virus to get penetrate your defences through the eyes, nose and mouth
  • physical distancing - keep 2 metres away from other people

More importantly, to prevent it's spread you should follow government advice on social distancing and isolating yourself and household if you show any of the symptoms:

  • new, continues cough
  • high temperature

Find out more on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Resources

Click on resource name for more details.

COVID-19

Amazon

The Pandemic that Never Should Have Happened and How to Stop the Next One

Anticipating the next Black Death

07-Nov-2020

Conversation with author and journalist Debora MacKenzie

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advice for everyone

Advice and links to 111 service etc

Coronavirus Resource Center

Questions and answers covering symptoms, risks and treatment

More Coronavirus resources

Coronavirus Blog Posts

Have you had coronavirus? UK COVID-19 antibody tests from £65
04-Feb-2021

Have you had coronavirus? UK COVID-19 antibody tests from £65

Comparison of UK mail and clinic tests, plus a review of the Medichecks test

Types of coronavirus tests, and how accurate are they?
25-Jan-2021

Types of coronavirus tests, and how accurate are they?

Do you know the difference between sensitivity and specificity?

How To Boost Your Immune System
14-Jan-2021

How To Boost Your Immune System

Help your body to help yourself with these easy tips on improving your immune system

Summary of London Futurists’ Engineering Greater Human Resilience Panel Discussion
27-Apr-2020

Summary of London Futurists’ Engineering Greater Human Resilience Panel Discussion

Interesting thoughts from an international panel of futurists

Coronavirus Deaths UK Tracker
22-Apr-2020

Coronavirus Deaths UK Tracker

Tracking UK COVID-19 deaths to see when the peak is passed

Recent News

Biological Age: A Dynamic Response to Severe Stress

Harvard Gazette - 24-Apr-2023

Helping the body recover from stress could contribute to increased longevity

Read more...

England and Wales see slight increase in life expectancy in 2021 - official figure to follow

BBC - 17-Oct-2022

Only 4 out of 31 countries studies have seen their period life expectancy recover since 2020

Read more...

Covid restrictions provided unique real-world experiment with reduced air pollution

The Guardian - 26-Jan-2022

Big drop in NO2 produced biggest benefit, less significant drops seen in PM2.5 and PM10

Read more...

Senolytic drugs improved survival rates in coronavirus-infected mice

SENS Research Foundation - 07-Oct-2021

Boosts immune response by clearing senescent cells; a potential treatment for COVID-19 in humans

Read more...

Covid-19 hit hardest in men, cutting their life expectancy by over an year

BBC - 23-Sep-2021

Life expectancy will recover in the future, but with a 'slower growth'

Read more...
More Coronavirus News