Omicron coronavirus strain changed so much that it does not cause severe dependence on supplemental oxygen

The Omicron variant now usually passes like a common respiratory disease. However, it still remains dangerous, in particular, for risk groups.

Alla Myronenko, Virologist, MD, made this statement during a briefing at Media Center Ukraine – Ukrinform.

“As for the SARS-CoV-2 viruses that cause COVID, from the end of 2021 to the beginning of 2022, when the Omicron strain appeared, it basically edged out all other viruses – the Delta variant, the Alpha variant. Now there is only Omicron, and many of its sub-variants are circulating at the same time. But fortunately, the Omicron has changed so much, it has accumulated so many mutations in the spike protein, that it does not cause severe dependence on supplemental oxygen, as it did with the previous versions, the same Delta or Alpha, when people died because there was no oxygen or it was not possible to be hospitalized or it was too late. Omicron usually runs like a common respiratory disease. But it is dangerous for risk groups – people aged 60-65+ and for those with chronic conditions,” explained Alla Myronenko.

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