Virus variants are a natural part of the SARS-CoV-2 evolution, but recent media distortions have fueled unfounded fears. A Swiss immunologist's measured warning was sensationalized online.
Much misinformation arises from innocent misrepresentation rather than deliberate deceit—such as quoting experts out of context. On August 22, 2021, Sai Reddy, an immunologist at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, discussed this on outlets like Blick newspaper and RTS. He noted that Beta and Gamma variants have shown antibody escape, unlike Delta, and predicted mutations in one of these were inevitable. Here's his key quote:
"This is the next phase of the pandemic, when Beta or Gamma becomes more infectious or Delta develops escape mutations. This will be the big problem of the coming year. 'COVID-22' could be even worse than what we are currently experiencing… If such a variant emerges, we need to detect it as soon as possible and vaccine manufacturers need to adapt vaccines quickly. The emergence of this new variant constitutes the great risk. We have to prepare for it."
A quick search for #Covid22 on Twitter reveals how this evolved into viral misinformation, amplifying fake news and conspiracy theories. Reddy wasn't referring to an actual or impending variant named COVID-22. It was a hypothetical label for a potentially worse evolution of existing variants emerging in 2022. Note: COVID-19 names the disease, not the virus itself (SARS-CoV-2).
Social media accelerates distortions: Blick highlighted "COVID-22 could be even worse," while accounts like Mediavenir dubbed it a "COVID-22 super-variant"—likely echoing UK tabloid The Mirror, not Reddy. Even figures like former National Rally VP Florian Philippot tweeted about a 'perpetual health pass' based on this falsehood.
This chain reaction stems from relaying a scientist's opinion without full context. Experts speaking personally in media should clarify if it's their view or research-based, while journalists must avoid sensationalism to maintain public trust.
