Wuhan Virus

Covid-19 is mutating, although we don't yet know how these mutations will affect us. Viruses mutate constantly and while some changes will help a virus reproduce, some may hinder it. Others are simply neutral. Mutations are a by-product of the virus replicating.

While scientists have spotted thousands of mutations, or changes to the virus's genetic material, only one has so far been singled out as possibly altering its behaviour.  Does this make the virus more infectious - or lethal - in humans and to other species? And could it pose a threat to the success of a future vaccine? It is believed that this dominant mutation (called D614G) is making the virus more infectious. Virologists are beginning to understand that the mutation increases patients' viral load. And when there is more of the virus in an infected person, it is easier for others' to become infected .

This coronavirus is actually changing very slowly compared with a virus-like flu. With relatively low levels of natural immunity in the population, no vaccine and few effective treatments, there's no pressure on it to adapt. So far, it's doing a good job of keeping itself in circulation as it is. This D614G Mutation has become so dominant, in China, in Europe and in the Americas, that it IS the Covid-19 Coronavirus for all practical purposes.