Omicron Variant Allows for Reinfection Every 40-45 Days, Scientist Says

Scientists believe that reinfections with the new variant of the coronavirus, Omicron, can occur quite frequently—approximately every 40 to 45 days. This was stated by Alexey Vodovozov, a highly qualified general practitioner and scientific medical expert, as reported by Kp.ru.

“If we talk about our country, the BA.2 subvariant has been detected in 44 regions. This could lead to a new surge in infections after a short pause. The fifth wave of COVID-19 may have several peaks,” said the expert.

According to him, although the number of infections has decreased in recent days, it is still too early to rejoice. Moreover, unfortunately, hospitalization rates are increasing, being 86.2% higher as of the morning of February 8 compared to the previous day.

“It is important to understand that when we see one day's statistics, we are talking about positive tests received that day, not the number of individuals currently infected. Considering the time required for analysis, transmission, and processing of the information, there is approximately a 2-3 day delay. Therefore, the decrease in case numbers at the beginning of the week could be related, for example, to the ‘weekend effect’—fewer people are visiting laboratories and fewer tests are being conducted. To assert that we have started a confirmed decline, we need to wait another 2-3 days,” he explained.