SARS-CoV-2 has RNA (ribonucleic acid) as its genome, so it falls under RNA viruses. Changes in the genome are very common among RNA viruses, compared to viruses which have DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) as the genome. This is because the changes that occur in the RNA genome during the replication of the virus may not be corrected and are passed on to progeny viruses. Since thousands of viruses are produced in each replication cycle, these changes are amplified in the viral population, leading to a pool of viruses from the same parent, but not identical in the genome. This is called genetic diversity. The changes that occur in the genome of any organism are called mutations. For viruses, the type and extent of the mutations are used to classify the different members of the same virus as strains, variants, types, subtypes, groups, subgroups and so on. Examples of other RNA viruses that infect us and display high genetic diversity include influenza virus and human immunodeficiency virus. Mutations can be lethal to viruses, but they can also bring benefits to viruses. These benefits include making them more efficient in infecting their host and increase their ability to evade the immune system and vaccines. Mutations can also reduce the effectiveness of diagnostic tests, and medicines directed against the virus. It is rational to be wary of the potential benefits endowed in new variants of SARS-CoV-2. At the same time, this knowledge is very important for the continuous rational design and implementation of biomedical interventions. It is useful to also note that non-pharmaceutical interventions such as hand washing and sanitizing, wearing of masks, ventilating enclosures, avoiding crowds, and keeping social distancing will remain highly effective against any variant of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, there is no need to panic whenever a new variant of SARS-COV-2 is announced. Scientists have the duty disclose their findings for the benefit of society. Since all variants of SARS-COV-2 are destroyed by soap and alcohol, and do not stay for long suspended in the atmosphere, we should continue to adhere to the non-pharmaceutical measures, and crown this with vaccination against Covid-19. Vaccines for Covid-19 will improve as our understanding of the virus and how it interacts with our bodies improve. Science is for the society, so any discovery of science is for the good of the society. The release of scientific information should not attract negative reactions but should instead be used positively. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/nov/28/scientists-sharing-omicron-date-were-heroic-lets-ensure-they-dont-regret-it. All of us should be interested in the science of germs. We may not understand everything, but we would have a strong understanding of the findings of science for our own rational use and behaviour. Again, science is for society! Home