Omicron multiplies around 70 times faster than the Delta variant in the bronchi (lung airways) but evidence suggests it is less severe than previous strains, especially compared to the Delta variant. Omicron might be less able to penetrate deep lung tissue. Omicron infections are 91 percent less fatal than the delta variant, with 51 percent less risk of hospitalization. However, estimated difference in intrinsic hospitalization risk largely decreases to 0–30 percent when reinfections are discounted. Overall, the extremely high rate of spread, combined with its ability to evade both double vaccination and the body’s immune system, means the total number of patients requiring hospital care at any given time is still of great concern.
A unique reported symptom of the Omicron variant is night sweats. Also, loss of taste and smell seem to be uncommon compared to other strains.
A study performed between 1 and 7 December by the Center for Disease Control found that: “The most commonly reported symptoms were cough, fatigue, and congestion or runny nose” making it difficult to distinguish from a less damaging variant or other virus.