Variants
Variants refer to different forms or versions of something, often arising due to changes or adaptations. In biology, for example, variants can occur in species through mutations, leading to differences in traits. This concept is also applicable in other fields, such as technology, where software variants may offer different features or functionalities.
In the context of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, variants are new strains of the virus that may have altered characteristics. These changes can affect how the virus spreads, its severity, or how well vaccines work against it. Monitoring variants is crucial for public health responses.