Overview
The term 'doomsday variant' has been used in media to describe a hypothetical and highly dangerous future variant of COVID-19. It is not a specific variant that has emerged, but a concept about what could be possible.
Symptoms
Hypothetically, such a variant could cause severe respiratory distress, multi-organ failure, and a high mortality rate. It would likely evade existing immunity.
Causes
Such a variant would arise through continued mutation and recombination of the virus, potentially allowing it to bypass vaccine-induced immunity and cause more severe disease.
Treatment
Treatment would be supportive, as with severe COVID-19, potentially requiring ventilation and intensive care.
When to See a Doctor
As with all infections, seek medical care for severe respiratory symptoms.