It might not be the most sophisticated advice ever given by a health scientist, but one simple tip to try to avoid catching coronavirus has been shared by thousands of people online.

Instead of thinking about protecting themselves, they should pretend they already are infected and are trying to protect others, according to Graham Medley, a professor of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

“So most people have a fear of acquiring the virus,” he said. “I think a good way of doing it is to imagine that you do have the virus, and change your behaviour so that you’re not transmitting it.

“Don’t think about changing your behaviour so that you won’t get it, think about changing your behaviour so you don’t give it to somebody else.”

NHS advice on avoiding spreading Covid-19 includes covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; putting used tissues in the bin immediately and washing your hands afterwards, as well as washing your hands often for at least 20 seconds, and when you arrive home after being out.

Anyone with a high temperature or a new, continuous cough is being asked to stay at home for seven days, avoiding going to GP surgeries, pharmacies and hospitals.

The NHS is no longer testing people with symptoms unless they are already in hospital, it was announced this week.

As the clip of Mr Medley was shared widely, he admitted the altruistic suggestion had come from a BBC producer, Stuart Denman, just after he had filmed a Newsnight interview. “It was so good I decided that I would say it instead, so they reset,” he tweeted.

“Think about your contacts – do you want to infect them? Our fight, our responsibility.”

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The UK’s death toll from the virus has nearly doubled in a day, rising from 11 to 21, with an official infection toll of more than 1,000.