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Coronavirus lockdown measures have been enforced in the UK today in a desperate attempt to cull the spread of the “biggest challenge of our lifetime”. Prime Minister Boris Johnson mandated

that the public should not leave their homes unless it was “absolutely necessary”. Current COVID-19 figures reveal the number of infected had risen to 6,650 cases, which has led to 335 

deaths. Elderly members of the public especially – due to being deemed most at risk – have been advised to stay indoors via messages from the NHS. But according to history, the older

generation may not be the most vulnerable in British society. An expert on the Spanish Flu told Express.co.uk that during the pandemic – dubbed one of the deadliest plagues to ever strike

humanity – younger people were substantially more exposed. Coronavirus was described as the “biggest threat this country has faced for decades”, during an announcement made by Boris Johnson

to the nation last night.  He revealed a complete lockdown would be enforced in the UK, in what has been considered the greatest restriction to British liberty in the country’s history.  Mr

Johnson banned people from leaving their homes – other than under exceptional circumstances – and prohibited groups of more than two people from meeting. The totalitarian measures were

sanctioned to try to prevent coronavirus – dubbed “the invisible killer” – in its wake of infection and destruction. Back in 2005, scientists were able to determine the gene sequence of the

1918 influenza virus and their research supported beliefs about the risk to healthy young adults.  Their experiments revealed a “cykotine storm” – where the immune system overreacted to the

virus killing the host – during a study of monkeys infected with Spanish Flu. They concluded that a similar reaction inside the bodies of younger people led to countless deaths during the

previous pandemic. But Mr Barry believes the world is better equipped to tackle coronavirus today – so long as stringent medical care can be delivered and precautionary measures are adhered

to. He told Express.co.uk: “There was only supportive care then, and now, but of course what can be done in supportive care now is infinitely greater – if you get an ICU bed and ventilator.”

  In a chilling warning Mr Barry revealed: “If not, it's very similar to 1918.”