New Covid strain spreading across the UK that's less likely to cause symptoms

[zouzounaki]

Yes, if it (the less deadly strain) can transmit faster than a deadly mutation?

aye, but what i mean is, would being less deadly in itself be an advantage? since carriers live and spread it about more?

 

[andipandi]

aye, but what i mean is, would being less deadly in itself be an advantage? since carriers live and spread it about more?

Loigically yes, depends how a virus thinks, is a virus logical, does it think, a virus must process things, otherwise why would it mutate? Or is the host the main player, with regard to mutations?

 

[zouzounaki]

Loigically yes, depends how a virus thinks, is a virus logical, does it think, a virus must process things, otherwise why would it mutate? Or is the host the main player, with regard to mutations?

i’m not sure, i don’t think they are alive, as such.

i’ve got this open in a tab, only read a wee bit so far but it seems interesting.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/are-viruses-alive-2004/

 

[Crewella]

Loigically yes, depends how a virus thinks, is a virus logical, does it think, a virus must process things, otherwise why would it mutate? Or is the host the main player, with regard to mutations?

It's back to Darwin, I think. Mutations happen, the mutations that are successful carry on and replicate/reproduce, the ones that aren't, don't. No plan, just what happens?

 

[zouzounaki]

It's back to Darwin, I think. Mutations happen, the mutations that are successful carry on and replicate/reproduce, the ones that aren't, don't. No plan, just what happens?

they can only reproduce when they invade and take over a host cell.

it’s really interesting. i’m in the wrong career.

 

[andipandi]

.

 

[Mitz]

Talking of mutations....

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...w-covid-variant-with-high-number-of-mutations

 

[Mitz]

.

 

[zouzounaki]

interesting that towards the end of that article it states that the seemingly mega mutated strain might have happened in one chronic infection in a single host with a weakened immune system.

so the mutations are random, then.

 

[andipandi]

Botswana has a high rate of HIV infection, 20% + of the population, could that be a contributory factor? Plus the trucks in and out of Botswana to South Africa, large sex industry, the parasite covid will latch onto anything and take advantage.