A study has shown that the Omicron strain multiplies 70x faster than Delta in airways. It may be why this mutant virus spreads at such a rapid pace.
Hong Kong University researchers found the new variant reproduces 10x slower in the lungs that its predecessor.
This finding supports the hypothesis that the new variant is less severe than previous versions, something South African doctors have claimed for several weeks.
The researchers exposed lung tissue in a laboratory to the original Covid strain that was identified in Wuhan last year, along with the two variants, to compare how the viruses behave after infection.
Omicron replicated faster in the bronchus — tubes connecting the windpipe and lungs — suggesting people with the strain may be more infectious.
Persons who have higher viral loads in the throat are more likely than others to exhale viral particles.
Delta replication was observed to be much quicker in the lungs. This is where the virus can spread to the worst forms of illness.
This finding could be part of the reason doctors say that people with this strain do not experience cold-like symptoms.
These graphs display the amounts of coronavirus found in lung cells and bronchial cells 24 hours and 48 hours following contact with Omicron (blue), Delta (orange), and Delta (green). There was 70 times more Omicron recorded in the bronchus — the main pipe connecting the airways and lungs — compared to previous strains, but 10 times less virus in the lungs when compared to the original version and Delta. This suggests that the virus may be more easily transmitted, but can cause less serious illness. Experts at the University of Hong Kong agreed.
This image shows the Omicron variant in human bronchus tissue infected with Omicron (shown red).
Image of human bronchus tissues following Covid infection. Red arrows indicate that virus particles are visible.
The chief investigator and public health expert Dr Michael Chan Chi Wai at Hong Kong University, cautioned that the speed of the replication cannot be used to determine the severity and the possibility of individuals becoming infected.
Omicron is a threat that could infect more people than any other strain, which could result in higher death and severe illness rates.
These findings are in addition to studies, data and reports of doctors proving that the virus is highly contagious but has less severe side effects.
An actual world South African study found that Omicron was 29% less severe than earlier waves and there were 33% fewer hospitalisations.
Yesterday, the UK had 78,610 confirmed Covid cases.
With the UK Health Security Agency reporting that Covid was found in 200,000 cases on Monday, it is likely that this number will rise.
The UKHSA reported only 10 cases of hospitalization and 1 death related to the variant.
The Prime Minister called on Britons last night to cut back on Christmas plans, and socialize when it is necessary. This was in an effort to stop the spread.
Experts warn that the virus could infect more people than it did last year, even though the severity of the disease is lower.
Hong Kong scientists used the discarded tissue from a lung operation to treat lung problems.
After being infected with Omicron virus, they discovered that the virus multiplied at 70x the rate of Delta and Wuhan in the bronchus.
It replicated 10 times faster in the lungs than the original virus, but it was less efficient. Omicron may be responsible for less severe diseases.
Dr Chan stated that “the severity of illness in humans does not depend on virus replication alone, but rather the immune system’s response to infection.”
“It should also be noted that a highly infectious virus can infect more people than the virus, which may lead to more serious disease or death, even though it may not cause as much damage.
“The Omicron variant’s potential threat to human health is high, especially when it’s combined with recent research showing Omicron variant’s ability to partially escape past infections and vaccine immunity, therefore, we believe that there’s a very serious risk.
Dr Muge Cervik is an infectious disease expert from the University of St Andrews. He tweeted: “Those asking whether this was good/bad news will find that I do not know.
Omicron might infect the lungs cells less effectively, however, an increased viral load can worsen your immune response.
“The one thing that I know for certain is Omicron’s rapid spread through the population. It will likely be impossible to contain, even with strict measures. We have very limited time in the coming weeks. Get your boosters and vaccines.
Yesterday, Dr Meaghan Kall (an epidemiologist at UKHSA) tweeted that she was optimistic about Omicron becoming milder.
The strain was found in up to 8/10 patients admitted to hospital wards or care homes. It is the highest level of infection since vaccinations began a year ago.
According to Dr Kall, however, the majority of these are “asymptomatic mild infections”.
She added that she was 100 percent sure of the fact that vaccinations or infections will increase large-scale immunity, which in turn would lower severe disease rates than previous versions.
Millions of Britons are now abandoning festive plans to be able to spend Christmas Day with their families.
British chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and the Prime Minister of England, Dr. Chris Whitty, caused a flurry of restaurant and pub cancellations. They urged people to only socialize if they were absolutely necessary, and that it should not be in large numbers or with strangers.
To avoid being forced to isolate themselves on December 25, when they are positive for Covid, some people have begun to self-isolate.
Professor Whitty said that a rise in Omicron hospitalisations is ‘nailed on’ after cases hit a record high yesterday, telling a televised No 10 press briefing: ‘I think that what most people are doing is – and I would think this seems very sensible – is prioritising the social interactions that really matter to them and, to project those ones, de-prioritising ones that matter much less to them.’
A major South Africa real-world study had suggested that Omicron was more mild. However, Omicron insists Omicron is ‘going to be a problem.
Following weeks of denials about Christmas plans, Johnson said that the nation should cut down on partying during Christmas season and think carefully before heading out.