What causes the formation of COVID-19 variants? The use of antiviral drugs The use of COVID-19 vaccines Random mutations during viral replications There is current no scientific explanation on how the variants form

Random mutations during viral replications are a key factor in the formation of COVID-19 variants. As the virus replicates, errors can occur in its genetic material, and while most mutations are harmless, some may enhance the virus's ability to spread or evade the immune response. This ongoing process allows new variants to emerge, leading to a diverse family of viruses that can impact public health measures. Additionally, the use of COVID-19 vaccines can influence the emergence of variants. When a significant portion of the population is vaccinated, the virus has fewer hosts to infect, potentially leading to selective pressure. If some individuals are infected despite vaccination—due to variants that partially evade the immune response—this can create an environment where certain mutations are favored, further driving the evolution of new variants.