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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/

Coronavirus News

Clear skies, clear lungs: Asthma emergencies dropped as air quality improved during lockdown

The Guardian - 09-Feb-2024

Insights from Oxford study calls for continued action to improve air quality everywhere

Read more...

Life's curveballs can fast-forward your biological clock and make you look older

National Institute on Aging (NIA) - 04-Jan-2024

These age-jumps, measured by DNA changes, can actually reverse once the stressor fades

Read more...

Canadians' life expectancy falls in 2022 for the third year in a row

The Canadian Press - 27-Nov-2023

COVID-19 takes a toll, seniors hit hardest, and Atlantic Canada sees highest jump

Read more...

COVID-19 continues to take a toll on Japanese life expectancy

Japan Times - 28-Jul-2023

Overall dropped by 0.42 years for men and 0.49 years for women in 2022 - second fall in a row

Read more...
More Coronavirus News

Coronavirus 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

More Coronavirus blog posts