The Omicron variant of coronavirus is at least 40% deadlier compared to the seasonal flu, stated Japanese scientists, as they emphasized on the potential danger of easing pandemic curbs too soon.

Japan’s case fatality rate of Omicron variant, based on cumulative excess deaths and the number of infections since the month of January, stood at around 0.13%, as per an analysis. Although this is significantly lower than the case fatality rate of 4.25% from earlier in the pandemic, it is still higher than the case fatality rate of 0.006% to 0.09% with seasonal flu, stated researchers.

The reduced mortality seen with Omicron could be attributed to reduced virulence of the strain, especially when compared to the Delta variant, and the benefits of vaccination, noted the researchers, adding that the findings highlight the significance of implementing the control measures before vaccines are fully distributed… (HT – Bloomberg, March 3, 2022)