Virus mutation

[Darnley]

It’s what they do, and it will continue to mutate.....are we really expected to remain in lockdown until it stops ?
It won’t stop mutating.......then what ?
Genuinely interested in what people think might happen.

It’s what they do, and it will continue to mutate.....are we really expected to remain in lockdown until it stops ?

No - has anyone actually suggested this?

Once a significant proportion of the population are vaccinated, mutations won't happen as frequently and will have less impact
Look at the Russian flu pandemic of 1889. Despite its name, it's actually a coronavirus (not influenza) and it continues circulating to this day - but a combination of mutations and immunity has meant it's now just one of the many viruses under the banner of the common cold.

The more cases and transmission there is, the higher the rate of mutation. That's why we we've seen new variants come out of countries with poorly controlled outbreaks (UK, US, South Africa).

Bring the number of cases down with lockdown, vaccination and other measures, mutation rates will slow and the likelihood of new problematic variants emerging is far lower.

That’s a relief. Hadn’t thought of that. Thanks.

I’m thinking it might mutate into something large enough to be visible. I’m thinking something along the lines of a poorly executed 1980s Doctor Who monster. Then it would easier to avoid, particularly as they tended to move quite slowly.

I know what the OP means, they are talking about mutations an awful lot at the moment and acting as though until they are suppressed normal life cannot continue.

@AuntyClementine

I’m thinking it might mutate into something large enough to be visible. I’m thinking something along the lines of a poorly executed 1980s Doctor Who monster. Then it would easier to avoid, particularly as they tended to move quite slowly.

This made me laugh and wake my baby up 🤣🤣🤣

There was an episode of Star Trek voyager with giant viruses that flew around the ship. That was quite fun.

I see it as the virus is panicking, it knows it's days are numbered.

Mutations are more a pain in the arse than critical concern. The vaccines will work to some degree, which will slow the progress of any existing mutations and bit by bit take away the power of future ones. Also, we'll keep hitting new ones with altered vaccines.

Honestly, we are very much on the other side if this now. The problem is that people thought we would stop it in it tracks. So are disappointed (justified) and even alarmed (not justified) by varients.

@AuntyClementine

I’m thinking it might mutate into something large enough to be visible. I’m thinking something along the lines of a poorly executed 1980s Doctor Who monster. Then it would easier to avoid, particularly as they tended to move quite slowly.

The flu virus mutates every year and a new vaccine is produced. It will probably be the same with this virus.

@AuntyClementine

I’m thinking it might mutate into something large enough to be visible. I’m thinking something along the lines of a poorly executed 1980s Doctor Who monster. Then it would easier to avoid, particularly as they tended to move quite slowly.

when they do the flu vaccine you usually are vaxed against 3/4 - & they (as per several pp) develop this each year.