According to researchers from the University of Hong Kong, the Covid-19 omicron version is 70 times more efficient than the delta variant in human airways, however, infection in the lungs seems to be less serious, as shown in a recent study.

The variant reproduces faster within the bronchus than in the windpipe, where it connects to the lungs 24 hours after infection, Dr. Michael Chan Chiwai and his team of researchers discovered. They found that it replicates 10x slower in human lung tissue.

The study is under peer review. Due to the urgency of the pandemic, researchers have published their results before peer review has been completed.

Omicron’s fast replication in the airway could explain its ability to transmit more quickly than the previous versions of the virus. But, the study found that Omicron causes less severe disease and may have a lower incidence in the lungs.

Chan stated in a statement that virus replication does not determine the severity of illness in people. He also said that host immunity to infection is a major factor in the outcome.

Chan pointed out that an extremely contagious virus such as omicron can cause severe illness and even death by spreading faster than the normal rate of infection in the lungs.

Chan warned that Omicron variant could pose a significant threat to the health of the entire population if it is considered together with recent research showing the Omicron variant may partially escape past infections and vaccine immunity.

According to data from South Africa Dr. Anthony Fauci (White House chief medical advisor) stated Wednesday that the omicron decreases Pfizer’s and BioNTech’s protection against infection by 33%. This is a significant reduction in protection compared with 80% before the variant was developed.

Fauci stated that the 2-dose vaccine was still effective in preventing hospitalization at 70%. According to Fauci, the booster dose of Pfizer provides 75% protection from symptomatic diseases, according to data from U.K. Health Security Agency.

Pfizer, BioNTech and others have published preliminary data in their lab studies showing that boosters work against omicron. However, the first two dose series was significantly affected by omicron.

According to the World Health Organization, Tuesday’s omicron spread faster than any Covid variant before it. Maria Van Kerkhove (WHO’S Covid-19 technical director) cautioned against considering omicron a mild strain.

Van Kerkhove explained that omicron-infected people can develop severe diseases, including death, during an open question and answer session.

She warned of increased transmission, which could lead to higher hospitalizations and burden already stretched health-care system.

Van Kerkhove stated that if a system becomes overburdened then people will eventually die. “We must be careful not to create a false narrative about it being a minor disease.