Delta vs Omicron, Which Variant is More Dangerous?

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The variant of Omicron B.1.1.529 which is currently taking the world by storm has been detected in 38 countries in just a short time. However, Delta is said to still be the dominant variant of COVID-19 cases in the world.

Due to the high level of transmission and virulence, both the Omicron and Delta variants have been designated by WHO as Variant of Concern (VOC). It is predicted that the Omicron variant will take over the dominance of the Delta variant. Cited from Detik, here are 5 cooperation between delta and omicron variant

Mutation

The Omicron variant has the highest number of mutations compared to other COVID-19 variants.

  • Omicron
    So far, Omicron has the most mutations of all variants of the Corona virus, so it is called a mutation monster. About 32 mutations in the spike protein and 10 mutations in the receptor were recorded.

Experts argue that the high mutation rate of Omicron can increase the ability to infect and evade the immune system.

  • Delta
    Delta has a total of 13 mutations with 9 mutations occurring in the spike protein where the virus attaches to humans.

Transmission

Both are called easily contagious.

  • Omicron
    Studies regarding the transmission rate and incubation period of Omicron are not known for certain. However, this variant managed to cause a spike in cases and beat Delta in South Africa.

An expert at the Fred Hutchinson-Seattle Cancer Research Center, Trevor Bedford, has two possibilities for Omicron, which could be higher transmission rates than Delta or better escape from the immune system.

  • Delta
    The Delta variant can spread and infect about 6 people and has an incubation period of 4 days, which is faster than the original virus which took 6 days.

Ability to escape from the immune system

A large number of mutations in these two variants is thought to make them more resistant to the effects of the vaccine.

  • Omicron
    While it’s not known for certain, scientists suspect Omicron is more resistant to vaccinations than Delta. For example, an epidemiological study in South Africa showed a threefold increased risk of reinfection compared to Delta.
  • Delta
    Several mutations in the Delta variant allow the virus to evade the antibodies produced by the vaccine. There is also evidence of an increased risk of reinfection associated with this variant