Experts are concerned that the next evolution of the novel coronavirus may be more dangerous and spread faster compared to the currently known variants. A group of scientists from Britain and Italy states, "We believe that the mild trajectory of 'COVID-19' caused by the 'Omicron' variant is merely coincidental, as it is likely that antigen evolution will lead to the emergence of new strains of the coronavirus that can evade the immune system, resulting in severe illnesses."
According to the journal *Nature Reviews Microbiology*, many researchers believe that evolution dictates mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which create a mild infection course. They add, "It is not in the virus's interest to kill its host; rather, it benefits from keeping the host alive to continue spreading the infection." This theory posits that the emergence of the 'Omicron' variant is a natural phase in the virus's development.
However, European scientists are confident that viral mutations are primarily determined by increased transmissibility and the ability to evade the immune system. The spread of the virus relies particularly on these two features, while the severity of the illness is merely a side effect of its evolution.
Some experts believe that the gradual weakening of the virus aids in reaching the necessary level of herd immunity. Nonetheless, European scientists say that what is known as antigen evolution is the virus's ability to change in a way that allows it to evade protection from an infected individual or a vaccinated person. They continue by noting that the 'Omicron' variant, which easily evades the immune system compared to earlier variants, underscores the virus's capability to quickly acquire these characteristics.
