4 ms·
Fortunately, since a high mortality rate makes for poor Darwinian fitness, viruses tend to evolve over time into variants with lower mortality albeit higher inf
by coryfklein 5y ago
Fortunately, since a high mortality rate makes for poor Darwinian fitness, viruses tend to evolve over time into variants with lower mortality albeit higher infectivity.
In a few decades, coronavirus may actually end up being just as lethal as the flu! One can hope, at least.
- SergeAx 5y agoTheory you citing is not that credible. Smallpox virus was with humanity for at least 3500 years. In XX century it's lethal rate was about 30% for adults, more for children.
- coryfklein 5y agoWhy indeed you are correct! [1] > Take-home message: > - The idea that viruses always evolve to become less lethal because it is advantageous to them is an old theory that has been shown to be wrong Thank you for correcting a misconception of mine! :D [1] https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/covid-19/do-bad-viruses-always-become-good-guys-end https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/covid-19/do-bad-viruses-al...