I’m perplexed by these virus mutations. I heard an explanation that we are getting more mutations because the virus has ‘realized’ that to survive it needs to stop killing its hosts. It needs to be more like the common cold: more transmission, less death.
Now, I understand natural selection: the moth that blends in with the sooty deposits in Victorian London doesn’t get eaten and then there are more and more of those moths.
I suppose my problem is that pundit/scientists are suggesting that the viruses got together in a staff meeting and said, “It appears that our London branch is showing a high success rate. London, what’s your secret?” Then the London virus says “I’ve decided to adopt a ‘commuter’ strategy: I use the host for transportation. It’s not as satisfying as the hospitalization strategy but I think it’s better for the brand long-term.”
Viruses are scary enough without giving them rational thought and free will.