Although it may be more susceptible to infection, who says infection data from South Africa, The United Kingdom, and Denmark show no difference in severity between the omicron BA.1 and BA.2 strains.
Dr. Wood said there was “no real evidence” that it was more serious.
“There was no spike in deaths in Denmark…… I would say it’s similar, “he said.
“We can expect an increase in hospitalizations and intensive care…… [But] we have made progress in strengthening needle coverage, and these conditions have helped reduce the incidence of severe illness.”
Compared with its predecessor, the severity of ba.2 is still unknown, Dr. Gale said.
“Overseas experience tells us that the BA.2 will overtake the BA.1 fairly quickly and become the dominant type in Omicron,” she said.
“Also from overseas, there is evidence that BA.2 is more transmissible and can infect people more quickly.