The COVID-19 pandemic is in the rear-view mirror, so what did we learn about mask wearing, vaccines and prevention? And how can you stay healthy to face a future pandemic? Professor Tim Spector, one of the world’s top 100 most cited scientists, looks back on the pandemic and what we learnt about symptoms, transmission and vaccines in the early stages. We’ll reflect on ZOE’s role - collecting data from millions of people on their symptoms, identifying COVID hotspots and shaping public understanding of the virus.Then we discuss the possibility of the next pandemic, and how we can individually protect ourselves against it. By the end of this episode, listeners feel more equipped to stay safe in the face of another global pandemic.🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30+*Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune systemFollow ZOE on Instagram.Timecodes00:00 What did we learn from COVID?01:44 Quickfire questions04:22 ZOE's response to the pandemic10:10 5 crucial days14:06 How new symptoms were discovered23:40 Did the virus come from a lab?28:00 Were face masks worth it?29:02 The data on lockdowns36:01 The economic costs37:50 Effectiveness of vaccines40:04 Side effects of vaccines46:10 Is there a cure for Long COVID48:39 The role of food choices51:24 How to fight off infections52:30 The risks of junk food📚Books by our ZOE ScientistsThe Food For Life CookbookEvery Body Should Know This by Dr Federica AmatiFood For Life by Prof. Tim SpectorFree resources from ZOELive Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & NutritionGut Guide - For a Healthier Microbiome in Weeks Mentioned in today's episodeThe WHO estimates of excess mortality associated with the COVID-19 pandemic (2022), published in NatureLong COVID: major findings, mechanisms and recommendations (2023), published in Nature Reviews Microbiology The role of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing post-COVID-19 thromboembolic and cardiovascular complications Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here.Episode transcripts are available here.