Re:Omicron variant more resistant to vaccine but causes less...
by scythe on Tuesday December 14, 2021 @11:16AM
(#29553246)
I think that the basic severity-lowering gradient still applies, but now it happens in two dimensions. Furthermore, it seems plausible that the sequence of variants "Original" -> Delta -> Omicron follows such a pattern.
First, evolutionary pressure will select for a lower dormancy period, i.e. a lower time to contagion. This is because a variant with a shorter dormancy will spread faster than one with a longer dormancy period if both are present in the same population. This is also exactly what happened with the Delta variant, which is asymptomatic generally for a shorter period[1] than the original variant, because it replicates faster.
Second, the usual process occurs for the usual reasons. This may be happening with Omicron.
First, evolutionary pressure will select for a lower dormancy period, i.e. a lower time to contagion. This is because a variant with a shorter dormancy will spread faster than one with a longer dormancy period if both are present in the same population. This is also exactly what happened with the Delta variant, which is asymptomatic generally for a shorter period[1] than the original variant, because it replicates faster.
Second, the usual process occurs for the usual reasons. This may be happening with Omicron.
[1]: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/...