December 16, 2021 – A new study from the University of Hong Kong has found that omicron multiplies 70 times faster within the human bronchus than the delta variant and original strain of COVID-19. The rate at which omicron multiplies could explain why it appears to be more contagious. While the study is currently being peer-reviewed, it paints an alarming picture of what the next few months of omicron could look like.
This analysis was based on cultures of the respiratory tract. Even though omicron has appeared to be more contagious than previous variants, symptoms have been less severe so far, potentially because this strain slows down once it enters the lungs.
Michal Chan Chi-wai, one of the authors of the study, said that the broad threat to the population is “likely to be very significant.” Omicron can better navigate immunity provided by vaccinations, posing a greater risk to vaccinated people than previous strains.
According to a couple of reports from The Washington Post, U.S. officials are anticipating a surge in cases as soon as next month and European Union officials say it could be the dominant variant there by the middle of January.