Why Omikron appears to be much more contagious, but less deadly

The Omikron variant probably settles in the throat and not in the lungs. That could explain why the new corona variant is many times more contagious than predecessor Delta, but for the time being seems less deadly. That suspicion already existed, but is now reinforced by six studies all of which have the same outcome.

According to Deenan Pillay, a virologist at University College London, Omikron is so mutated that it primarily infects the upper respiratory tract. In other words, the cells in the throat, where the virus is capable of multiplying itself, as opposed to deep in the lungs such as Delta. The advantage of this is that there are relatively few virus particles in the lungs and therefore do not cause serious damage there. The disadvantage is that when coughing, speaking, or even exhaling, extra virus particles are released that can then infect someone else.

The researchers cautiously speak of ‘good news’, but warn that it is by no means a reason to be less vigilant: ‘For vulnerable people, the consequences can still be great – there are indeed deaths from Omikron. Not everyone can just take off their mask and go partying.’

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