3 ms·
> Covid has been decreasing in severity with each new major variety. That’s not accurate, delta was a marked increase in severity. Omicron is reduced in sever
by rsfern 5y ago
> Covid has been decreasing in severity with each new major variety.
That’s not accurate, delta was a marked increase in severity. Omicron is reduced in severity relative to delta, but it’s probably on par with the original strain once prior immunity is accounted for.
- yehosef 5y agosources? I'm under the impression that Omicron is less severe than original strains.
- rsfern 5y agoThis post [0] summarizes the early research on omicron hospitalization risk. The preprints linked are now like 2 weeks old, so probably there is better data available, but I haven’t come across any analysis yet. I’ve been reading that ICU utilization is markedly lower with omicron, but I haven’t seen any statistical analysis yet decoupling prior immunity from the intrinsic virulence of omicron. Still points toward lower severity in general. Keep in mind the uncertainty factor is high on these studies, and also that omicron seems to be spreading first among the younger population. But these estimates put omicron between 40-70% less severe (in terms of hospitalization) relative to delta. So maybe a little less severe than original, maybe a bit more. 0: https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/YBB9yZNJuz5j8hLdP/omicron-post-9 https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/YBB9yZNJuz5j8hLdP/omicron-po...