Virus Variants
Viruses, like the one that causes COVID-19, can change over time. These changes are called mutations. When a virus collects enough mutations, it can become a new version, or 'variant.' Some variants might spread more easily, cause different symptoms, or react differently to medicines or vaccines. Scientists monitor these changes to understand how viruses evolve and how to best protect people.
In the news
- New COVID-19 Variant PJ.2.1, Nicknamed "Cicada," Spreads Globally Viruses, like the one that causes COVID-19, can change over time. These changes are called mutations. When a virus collects enough mutations, it can become a new version, or 'variant.' Some variants might spread more easily, cause different symptoms, or react differently to medicines or vaccines. Scientists monitor these changes to understand how viruses evolve and how to best protect people.