Symbiotic fungus causing rapid mutations within the human body

A group of scientists discover a heretofore unknown species of fungus. unbeknownst to them, let's say it is of extraterrestrial origin but it operates very much like certain fungi on Earth (e.g. ophiocordyceps). This particular alien fungi also releases spores, which enter the body and grow into a fungal lifeform.

But the ET-fungi is not particularly malicious and has no intent of killing its host. Maybe it even has some level of sentience. It simply lets its hosts be - they have full control of themselves, mentally and physically with one exception - the constant drive to find more uninfected bodies for ETfungi to spread into.

I want these fungal-humans to mutate rapidly, gaining an aversion to light and flames, preferring the damp and darkness, slowly losing their eyesight etc. But on the plus side - they are stronger, faster and have higher pain tolerance. Maybe even a weak telepathic link with other fungals in some kind of advanced mycorrhizal network.

How possible are these mutations without too much hand waving? I know the telepathy is really stretching it but what about the physical aspects?

posted over 4 years ago

Space_Cadet‭

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