Omicron is now a 'scourge' in the world. The latest variant of Covid-19 has been found in more than 106 countries.

Its rapid transmission compared to other variants increases cases in the world, especially Europe and the United States (US). The World Health Organization (WHO) says cases double every 1.5 to three days in areas with community transmission.

However, the news is quite a relief about Omicron issued a number of studies Wednesday, (22/12/2021). Three studies conducted in South Africa, England, and Scotland said that the symptoms of variants with 32 mutations were milder than Delta.

Here is the summary quoted by CNBC Indonesia Friday (24/12/2021).

South Africa

South Africa's National Institute for Infectious Diseases (NICD) found that those infected with Omicron were much less likely to end up in hospital than those infected with Delta. This is attributed to the condition of citizens in the country who are quite a lot of survivors of Covid-19.

"In South Africa, it's an epidemic. Omicron behaved in a less severe way," Professor Cheryl Cohen of the NICD told Reuters.

Those affected by Omicron on average experience mild symptoms. It is also believed to be a result of natural immunity created in the country's population.

Scotland

Scotland has given the same news. The University of Edinburgh study concluded patients infected with Omicron but who had been fully vaccinated were 80% less likely to be admitted to hospital compared to Delta infections.

This was taken from comparing 23,840 cases of Omicron and 126,511 cases of Delta. Data collected from November 1 to December 19, 2021.

"Although the numbers are small, this study is good news. The two-thirds reduction in hospitalizations in double-vaccinated young people compared to Delta suggests that Omicron will be milder for more people," said James Naismith, Professor of Structural Biology at the University of Oxford.

English

The results of the study were also published by Imperial College London. The risk of hospital treatment after Omicron infection is about 40% to 45%, lower than for Delta infections.

"Overall, we found evidence of a reduced risk of hospitalization for Omicron relative to Delta infection, on average for all cases in the study period," said the researchers who analyzed confirmed cases of UK PCR tests between December 1 and December 14.