Viral dynamics and duration of PCR positivity of the #SARS-CoV-2 #Omicron #variant
▻https://dash.harvard.edu/handle/1/37370587
Thread by jameshay218 on Thread Reader App – Thread Reader App
▻https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1481754708368891907.html
1) High % had Ct<30 at day 5 post detection
2) Omicron had lower peak viral load and more variable early viral growth durations than Delta
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Take home 1: ~50% of individuals have low Cts ≥5 days post detection, even in this highly-boosted population (see also tinyurl.com/2p8858jt). A cautious approach to shortening isolation may therefore be warranted, noting that the decision balances multiple factors. 10/13
Take home 2: Peak viral load, proxied by Ct values, is lower, and peaks no sooner, than for Omicron than Delta. So Omicron’s increased infectiousness doesn’t seem to be through higher viral load (at least as measured in the nose and mouth by Ct values). 11/13