The Naked Scientists
  • Login
  • Register
  • Podcasts
      • The Naked Scientists
      • eLife
      • Naked Genetics
      • Naked Astronomy
      • In short
      • Naked Neuroscience
      • Ask! The Naked Scientists
      • Question of the Week
      • Archive
      • Video
      • SUBSCRIBE to our Podcasts
  • Articles
      • Science News
      • Features
      • Interviews
      • Answers to Science Questions
  • Get Naked
      • Donate
      • Do an Experiment
      • Science Forum
      • Ask a Question
  • About
      • Meet the team
      • Our Sponsors
      • Site Map
      • Contact us

User menu

  • Login
  • Register
  • Home
  • Help
  • Search
  • Tags
  • Member Map
  • Recent Topics
  • Login
  • Register
  1. Naked Science Forum
  2. Life Sciences
  3. Physiology & Medicine
  4. COVID-19
  5. COVID: what does the future will look like?
« previous next »
  • Print
Pages: 1 [2]   Go Down

COVID: what does the future will look like?

  • 21 Replies
  • 1461 Views
  • 0 Tags

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Colin2B

  • Global Moderator
  • Naked Science Forum King!
  • ********
  • 6057
  • Activity:
    2.5%
  • Thanked: 633 times
    • View Profile
Re: COVID: what does the future will look like?
« Reply #20 on: 31/12/2021 08:45:49 »
Quote from: gerardseal on 30/12/2021 10:54:16
I heard a version from the Swiss expert Pitte that in the future COVID-19 can become like a common cold. I hope he's at least a little right
He could well be, but which one?
The mutations are like a branching tree with each branch mutating separately and, as @Bored chemist says, a branch can just as easily mutate into something more harmful. The question is which one or ones become dominant.
There is currently investigation into whether Omicron mutated from Delta or from an earlier strain.
Logged
and the misguided shall lead the gullible,
the feebleminded have inherited the earth.
 



Offline Bored chemist

  • Naked Science Forum GOD!
  • *******
  • 27189
  • Activity:
    100%
  • Thanked: 908 times
    • View Profile
Re: COVID: what does the future will look like?
« Reply #21 on: 31/12/2021 10:38:31 »
It's true that, over time, viruses typically evolve to become less lethal to the host.
But the reason for that isn't good news for us.
The mutation process is random, the outcome may be a virus that's more lethal or less lethal.
If it's less lethal, that's lucky for us.
If it's more lethal it typically (on average) kills the host before the host has a chance to pass it on.
The thing that stops viruses becoming more lethal is deaths among hosts.

Also a virus that initially only killed something like 1% of the hosts is not under huge pressure to reduce that; it's already 99% "successful".
Logged
Please disregard all previous signatures.
 



  • Print
Pages: 1 [2]   Go Up
« previous next »
Tags:
 

Similar topics (5)

COVID-19: Would it help if we all "Put the lid down"?

Started by evan_auBoard COVID-19

Replies: 3
Views: 2283
Last post 24/05/2020 13:16:18
by Bored chemist
How do you test a covid test?

Started by Jolly2Board Physiology & Medicine

Replies: 26
Views: 5035
Last post 24/11/2020 19:36:13
by evan_au
Does the Covid-19 vaccine have the flu vaccine in it?

Started by katieHaylorBoard COVID-19

Replies: 1
Views: 1357
Last post 08/02/2021 21:44:46
by evan_au
Does the pneumonia jab prevent pneumonia from COVID-19?

Started by nudephilBoard COVID-19

Replies: 2
Views: 3049
Last post 29/07/2020 23:44:09
by Colin2B
Resurgence Of Covid-19 in Winter....WHY ? What Does 'Winter' have To Do With It

Started by neilepBoard COVID-19

Replies: 14
Views: 3385
Last post 31/07/2020 11:08:12
by alancalverd
There was an error while thanking
Thanking...
  • SMF 2.0.15 | SMF © 2017, Simple Machines
    Privacy Policy
    SMFAds for Free Forums
  • Naked Science Forum ©

Page created in 0.11 seconds with 32 queries.

  • Podcasts
  • Articles
  • Get Naked
  • About
  • Contact us
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Subscribe to newsletter
  • We love feedback

Follow us

cambridge_logo_footer.png

©The Naked Scientists® 2000–2017 | The Naked Scientists® and Naked Science® are registered trademarks created by Dr Chris Smith. Information presented on this website is the opinion of the individual contributors and does not reflect the general views of the administrators, editors, moderators, sponsors, Cambridge University or the public at large.