New Omicron variant transmitting faster, much more infectious than original: Studies reveal

As per studies, the mild symptoms of the earlier Omicron strain may not offer much protection to the chances of getting affected with the new variant in the future.

These findings also cast doubt on the belief that the Omicron variant might put an end to the pandemic.

The research findings come amid rising calls for governments to treat Covid-19 as endemic like influenza as vaccines against the COVID-19 are becoming more accessible and deaths remain relatively low.

"Our results suggest that omicron-induced immunity may not be sufficient to prevent infection from another, more pathogenic variant, should it emerge in the future," the researchers were quoted as saying by Bloomberg.

"They also highlight the continued importance of vaccine boosters in enhancing immunity, as breakthrough infection alone may not be reliable" in protecting against repeat infections or future illness from new strains, they said.

Another study found a second-generation form of the Omicron variant that appears even more transmissible than the original.

"It showed 39% of people infected with the BA.2 subvariant were likely to infect others in their households, compared with 29% of those who were carrying the original version," reported Bloomberg.

The study was based on data gathered from 8,541 households in December and January in Denmark, where the new subvariant has become the dominant strain.