Infectious diseases have been a scourge of mankind since time immemorial.

I am a keen reader of history, and anyone who does so knows that infections have not only caused billions of deaths and untold suffering, but have also brought down kings, armies, empires, and entire civilisations.

Previous pandemics have literally changed the course of human history.

The one we now face in 2020 thankfully falls at a time of unprecedented medical and technological advancements.