Typical isn't all the time, is it?
@grandjoeblueI know why you are saying this but it's a factually incorrect statement. Viruses are subject to natural selection in the same way that other life forms are, though they require a host to provide a living environment. If we consider influenza we can see that they evolve gradually through mutations to their surface in order to hide from our immune systems - a disguise of sorts. Without this evolving antigenic drift, (and shift when two mutations combine) the virus is at risk of failure, which can be a limitation for some, but not for the flu, common cold, norovirus, HIV, etc, and sadly looking to be not true for covid-19 which is display the ability to mutate rapidly.
If you look at this article about the new mutation in Africa you'll see they talk about covid "evolving under positive selection and improving viral fitness"
Researchers identify a novel SARS-CoV-2 variant (A.VOI.V2) in southern Africa
Scientists recently explored the transmission dynamics of currently circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2 in a southern African country. By analyzing the genomic sequences of these variants, they have identified a novel SARS-CoV-2 variant with multiple spike mutations. They have temporarily...www.news-medical.net
And it's not a general rule either. HIV, Gonorrhoea, dengue fever, TB; all as virulent as they have always been.
It is a known aspect of virology, that viruses can decline to be benign over time, but it's not always the case.
It is a known aspect of virology, that viruses can decline to be benign over time, but it's not always the case.
The more recent to tendency is towards the idea that virus/host relationship is largely unique and should be considered individually. There is no general evolutionary law model for how each virus will act and there is no certainty of decreased virulence.
Coevolution of hosts and parasites | Parasitology | Cambridge Core
Coevolution of hosts and parasites - Volume 85 Issue 2www.cambridge.org
Hope so. The issue really is how much mutation there is and how widely people will start to interact and share. I think a realistic/cautious approach to the risk and relaxation is needed.
Senior WHO expert saying that UK Covid19 cases are being kept down by lockdown not the vaccine roll out. And the still significant number of daily cases w=ill be the more likely source of any surge we see in this country rather than it coming in from Europe.
UK Covid cases could rise again despite vaccine progress – WHO official
Exclusive: Dr Catherine Smallwood says there is potential for rise unconnected to increases in Europewww.theguardian.com