How is antigenic drift beneficial for viruses?

Question

It leads to less mRNA which is easier to copy.
It makes them unrecognizable to the immune system.
It creates a variety of immune responses in the host organisms.
It changes how genes code for antigens.

Answer 1

Antigenic drift is beneficial for viruses because it allows them to constantly evolve and adapt to avoid being recognized by the host's immune system. By continuously mutating and changing their surface antigens through antigenic drift, viruses are able to evade immunity acquired from previous infections or vaccinations. This helps the virus to establish successful and prolonged infections in the host population.