Even if it kills (which it likely will), our track record shows that didn't care enough about that, and in a decreasing manner. So it'll only be worse.

[–] Chriskmee@lemm.ee 7 points 2 years ago (59 children)

Pretty sure every virus has killed people, from the cold, to flu, and of course covid. It feels like now the death rate for the latest variants of covid are pretty comparable to the flu, the virus has lost a lot of its killing power over time.

[–] Mbourgon@lemmy.world 1 points 2 years ago (7 children)

I’ve you’ve been vaxxed, or had a previous infection, or get some paxlovid… yes. If not, no, not really any better. It hasn’t gotten weaker.

[–] Chriskmee@lemm.ee 4 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Do you have any studies or research to suggest covid hasn't gotten weaker?

[–] Mbourgon@lemmy.world 8 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Unfortunately, the myth that virii become weaker over time is a long standing misconception, and the anti-vax people pushed it because it fit their narrative.

These articles discuss it with immunologists & doctors & geneticists, though, so it seems that it’s a known truth and so, like gravity, isn’t extensively studied. Instead, they’re focusing on actual prevention via better vaccines and personal behavior/responsibility.

Hope this helps!

Https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2022/01/14/1072504127/fact-check-the-theory-that-sars-cov-2-is-becoming-milder

https://abc7ny.com/covid-update-pandemic-do-viruses-get-weaker-as-they-evolve-omicron-variant/11463220/

https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-not-mutating-to-be-weaker-over-time-genetics-2020-7

https://en.as.com/en/2022/02/07/latest_news/1644263846_400285.html (note that this site is a Spanish-language sports site, but it was nice to find this there)

[–] Chriskmee@lemm.ee 0 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Thanks for the links!

To summarize the NPR one, and correct me if I am wrong, but they are confirming that the current variants are weaker, but that we shouldn't take that to mean the next variants will follow the same trend?

[–] Mbourgon@lemmy.world 3 points 2 years ago

Kind of. It’s not that it’s weaker, it’s that it’s route into cells is less damaging, and so it’s less “severe” , though the article contradicts itself on that particular word.

FTA: “ this alternative entryway likely causes less damage inside the lungs”

"Omicron may be a small step back in severity. But it's probably more severe on its own than the original version of the virus,"

Before omicron came along, SARS-CoV-2 was actually evolving to be more severe, says Bhattacharyya, of Harvard Medical School. "We're looking at a virus that's gotten progressively more severe over time," he says.

load more comments (5 replies)

load more comments (56 replies)

load more comments (57 replies)