What is COVID-19?

A new virus, that is causing outbreaks of respiratory infection.

Some cases are mild, but some are severe and can be lethal.

SYMPTOMS INCLUDE

Fever

Cough

Sore throat

Shortness of breath / Difficulty breathing

As Sun Tzu wrote in The Art of War, “All warfare is based on deception”. He could have easily been describing the ancient battle between virus and host rather than on the lore of Chinese warfare. A virus must infect, replicate and spread for it to survive; the host attempting to thwart it at every step of the way. This ancient battle has been waged for millions of years and has spawned an innumerable number of viruses, each with their own unique ways of trying to outsmart the host. Some viruses encode proteins that directly inhibit/degrade/alter host pathways and some simply have evolved ways to hide from the hosts detection system. The host is not passive in this battle. It has evolved complex pathways and redundant mechanisms to respond to viral interlopers.

Viruses have evolved clever ways to take over host cells. Host cells protect themselves by undergoing apoptosis (programmed death) after infections to prevent further viral spread. Another quote from Sun Tzu, states “what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy’s strategy.” Indeed, viruses have developed ways to stop host cell death, allowing the virus to survive and persist.

Taking a few simple steps can help in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19

Maintain good personal hygiene

Wash hands frequently

Carry hand sanitiser

Avoid touching your face

Avoid direct contact with animals and their environment

Ensure food, including eggs, are thoroughly cooked

Keep away from people who are sick

Do not travel if you think you are ill

About Dave Kay

Provided security for high net worth clients. Successfully gained Krav Maga Instructor Certification in Israel. Studied and successfully passed Sports Science degree. Led expeditions in mountain, jungle and other inhospitable environments. Regularly update skills and knowledge base in different combat sports. Specialties: Krav Maga, Self Defence, Boxing, Fitness training, Nutrition and Diet. Undertake mountaineering, ice climbing, rock climbing, skiing, fell running, orienteering, mountain biking.
All of our Krav Maga Self Defence Classes are based in Manchester