It is a telling sign of most ailments – the loss of appetite. The prevailing theory is that the digesting food requires energy and the body wants to focus all its energy for fighting the invader. If this loss is prolonged the pros outweighs the cons as a famished, weakened body loses its energy to fight. The return of appetite is therefore generally regarded as a signal of recovery.

A robust appetite that craves food in all its rich and multi-flavoured variety could therefore be taken as some indication of not only good taste but good health. Gastrointestinal upset has been a symptom of some COVID-19 infected persons and everybody knows no one chooses to limit their taste buds to only bananas, rice, applesauce and toast unless they are unwell.

That said, COVID-19 has ushered some dietary and gastronomical positives. More and more persons in a bid to bolster their immune system against an invader with no approved treatment or vaccine are turning to citrus fruits, papayas and vegetables such as broccoli and spinach. Millions of people are cooking more at home out of necessity with natural herbs such as garlic, sweet peepers and ginger being the preferred flavour additives. The World Health Organization and UNICEF have both issued Covid 19 food and nutrition guidelines that recommend some or all of these foods. There is almost universal consensus that sugar laden and highly processed foods ought not to be the go to foods right now.

Right now most of the world is staying safe at home. Most are eating mindfully and healthfully to be prepared to fight off the attacker whilst a few have their appetites suppressed by white T cells focused on one task and one task only.

But all the world awaits for the containment of Covid-19 and a return to the life, food, engagement and adventure as we use to know it.

Until then, let’s keep safe.