Immunologist Debunks Viral Illness Myth: Do Viruses Always Become Milder?

Viral Infections: Do They Always Become Less Dangerous? A recent TikTok video by LaughterinLight PhD, a PhD Immunologist, sparked discussion about the long-term effects of viral infections. Responding to an audience member's question about a prolonged recovery from a virus, Dr. LaughterinLight explained that viruses don't always become less severe over time. She used the example of smallpox, a disease that existed for 5,000 years before eradication, to illustrate that viruses can persist and re-infect populations with devastating consequences. "There's no guarantee that a virus becomes more mild over time," she stated. The video highlights the importance of ongoing vaccine programs to monitor and develop treatments for viral illnesses. This underscores the need for continued vigilance and research in the face of evolving viral threats.