Omicron nucleocapsid protein

Omicron multiplies in the bronchi (lung airways) about 70 times faster than the Delta variant, but there is evidence that it is not as severe as previous strains, especially compared to the Delta variant. Omicron may not penetrate deep lung tissue. Omicron infections had a 91% lower fatality rate and a 51% lower risk of hospitalization than the delta variant. However, when reinfection was excluded, the estimated difference in the risk inherent in hospitalization was greatly reduced to 0-30%. Overall, the extremely high transmission rate, combined with its ability to evade dual vaccination and the body's immune system, means that the total number of patients requiring hospitalization at any given time remains a concern.