AS human beings, we can be susceptible to mania every now and again.

If you're old enough, you may have lived through quite a few. Those of a certain vintage will have lived through the Cold War, and the constant threat of nuclear annihilation.

On the lighter side of things, you may remember Beatles-mania, when the 'Fab Four' seemed to rule the world, or the airwaves at least.

To be affected by world-changing news stories is perfectly natural, and with regards to stories like climate change, is in fact necessary for the betterment of our communities.

However, there is a selfishness that can erupt in people during times of apparent crisis. Take for example, the news that supermarkets have had to begin rationing certain products due to panic buying over coronavirus fears.

As The Mail reports on page four, a Tesco in Barrow has already run out of pasta and hand sanitiser, leaving shelves empty and residents unable to purchase essential items.

There is an inherent selfishness to panic buying, and largely, it's pointless.

The coronavirus is unlikely to destroy the tortellini supply chain in the near future, and the chances of the UK exhausting its supply of toilet paper seem very slim indeed.

Before you stock up, think of the vulnerable people who rely on certain products being readily available.