Abstract
Human‐severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) interaction can have an array of various outcomes—it could be mortal, morbid or merely carrying minor health consequences. The very rapid global spread has raised the issue whether there are further multi‐dimensional consequences of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on human behavior, the key of its transmission. During the coronavirus crisis, odd, abnormal, and irresponsible behavior has been reported in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) individuals, particularly in super‐spreaders, that is, persons with a high viral load, thus constituting also super‐emitters. Indeed, cases of infected persons ignoring self‐confinement orders, intentionally disregarding physical distancing and multiplying social interactions, or even deliberately sneezing, spitting or coughing were reported. While it is known that some other viruses, such as rabies and even influenza do change human behavior, this remains unclear for SARS‐CoV‐2. In this perspective, we highlight the possibility that COVID‐19 is facilitated by altered human social behavior that benefits SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission, through showcasing similar virus‐induced changed behavior by other pathogens and relating this to reports from the gray literature.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
