Short Wave What Scientists Got Wrong About COVID-19
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Mar 24, 2025 Sarah Zhang, a health writer for The Atlantic, dives into the unexpected twists of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on how early predictions about the virus's mutation rate were fundamentally wrong. She reveals the plethora of mutations that emerged post-vaccine rollout and discusses the unique adaptations of the Omicron variant, which enabled it to dodge immune responses. The conversation sheds light on viral evolution and its future implications, particularly in tracking infections in immunocompromised individuals and enhancing disease surveillance.
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COVID-19 Mutation Rate
- Scientists initially predicted a slow mutation rate for SARS-CoV-2, similar to the flu.
- However, the emergence of variants like Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron proved them wrong.
Viral Mutation in Immunocompromised Individuals
- Research suggests the virus mutates rapidly in immunocompromised individuals.
- These persistent infections act as a "training ground" for the virus to evade the immune system.
Why Viruses Mutate
- Viruses mutate during replication, and most mutations are insignificant.
- However, some mutations give the virus an advantage, such as better cell entry or easier transmission.