40-45% lower risk of hospitalization for those with Omicron, compared to Delta

Patients infected with the Omicron variant of Covid-19 are 40-45% less likely to need hospital treatment than those infected with the Delta variant, according to a study by Imperial College London today. in publicity.

“In general, we find evidence that the risk of hospitalization with Omicron is reduced compared to Delta, in all cases identified during the study period,” the researchers said.

The study analyzed data from the confirmed, by molecular test, cases recorded in England in the period 1-14 December.

Another study from South Africa, released earlier today, found that those diagnosed with Omicron variant in that country between October 1st and November 30th were 80% less likely to be hospitalized than those infected. from another variant over the same time period.

Researchers at Imperial College reported that the risk of any hospital visit for those infected with Omicron was 20-25% lower than for those infected with Delta. They noted, however, that the reduction in hospitalization must be balanced with the greater risk of Omicron infection, as it reduces the protection provided by vaccines and natural immunity.

Today, Britain announced, for the first time since diagnostic tests became widely available, more than 100,000 new cases of Covid-19.

The researchers say their findings from the study suggest that those who have received at least two doses of the vaccine remain protected against hospitalization, even if protection against infection is largely lost to the Omicron variant.

Source: AMPE