Infectivity versus fatality of SARS-CoV-2 mutations and influenza.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Because of the spread of the Omicron variant, many countries have experienced COVID-19 case numbers unseen since the start of the pandemic. We aimed to compare the epidemiological characteristics of Omicron with previous variants and different strains of influenza to provide context for public health responses.

Methods

We developed transmission models for SARS-CoV-2 variants and influenza, in which transmission, death, and vaccination rates were taken to be time-varying. We fit our model based on publicly available data in South Africa, the United States, and Canada. We used this model to evaluate the relative transmissibility and mortality of Omicron compared with previous variants and influenza.

Results

We found that Omicron is more transmissible and less

SUBMITTER: Xue L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9107628 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature