> where the virus has mutated for maximum survival and this variant becomes no more serious than a bad cold for young/healthy folks. I think this idea is overl

> where the virus has mutated for maximum survival and this variant becomes no more serious than a bad cold for young/healthy folks. I think this idea is overly optimistic and can be misleading. Maximum survivability of the virus does not necessarily coincide with with it being no 'more serious than a bad cold'. It often means the virus can not have traits which make spreading harder. Like killing the infected too quickly or having noticeable symptoms the lead the infected to be isolated. I can imagine many long term side effects that do not effect the virus's survival in the short term and therefore will not be weeded through natural selection in a reasonable timeframe. Any side effect which is not detectable for a long time like early onset of cognitive decline in old age or shorting life span by 1-5 years would seem to fit. There is no guarantee the final form of the virus will end up similar common cold.