A recent analysis by the Office for National Statistics (OMS) has revealed that the risk of death from an Omicron infection is significantly lower than that of a Delta variant infection. The study, which analyzed Covid-19 infections and deaths in England, found that this was particularly true for younger people, and that men were more likely to survive an Omicron infection than women. The data was collected by comparing Covid-19 infections with deaths, and included a third of all people who tested positive for Covid-19 in England in December 2021. Of these infections, 78.6% were caused by the Omicron variant, while the remaining 21.4% were caused by the Delta variant.
The study found that, on average, people died 13 days after an Omicron infection and 16 days after a Delta infection. The OMS analysis also showed that the risk of death from an Omicron infection was 67% lower than that of a Delta infection. The difference was most pronounced in the 18-59 age group, where the risk of death from an Omicron infection was 86% lower than that of a Delta infection. However, for seniors over 70 years old, the risk of death was only 55% lower. The analysis also revealed that men were less likely to die from an Omicron infection than women, with their risk of death decreasing by 75% compared to 57% for women.
It is important to note that the study did not include data on the BA.2 variant, which was not yet significant in England in December 2021. Therefore, it is possible that this variant may have different effects. Nonetheless, the findings of the study provide some reassurance that the Omicron variant may be less deadly than the Delta variant, particularly for younger people and men. However, it is still important to take precautions and follow public health guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
