We shouldn’t worry when a virus mutates during disease outbreaks
Nathan D. Grubaugh, Mary E. Petrone, Edward C. Holmes
Abstract
Mutation. The word naturally conjures fears of unexpected and freakish changes. Ill-informed discussions of mutations thrive during virus outbreaks, including the ongoing spread of SARS-CoV-2. In reality, mutations are a natural part of the virus life cycle and rarely impact outbreaks dramatically.
Topics & Concepts
OutbreakWorryVirusDiseaseVirologyMutationFailure to thriveBiologyMedicineGeneticsPsychiatryGenePathologyAnxietyViral Infections and Outbreaks ResearchZoonotic diseases and public healthSARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research