On December 15, Zhong Nanshan, a renowned Chinese respiratory scientist, gave the lecture "COVID-19 (Omicron) epidemic situation and prevention" at the Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou.

"The fatality of Omicron is similar to flu."

"We are experiencing a second wave of Omicron across the country, characterized by high transmission ability." Zhong believes that Omicron is constantly mutating and wide-spearing, but the pathogenicity is greatly reduced. After two years of mutation, Omicron mainly infects the upper respiratory tract.

According to the epidemic trend nationwide, the proportion of asymptomatic infections has increased significantly. Zhong said that after analyzing the epidemic situation in Guangzhou, Beijing, Chongqing, and Zhengzhou since September, he concluded that the case fatality rate of COVID-19 is close to that of flu.

No significant difference between "North Omicron" and "South Omicron"

According to Zhong, Omicron in Guangzhou and Chongqing is BA.5.2, in Beijing and Baoding is BF.7. Although BF.7 is a mutant based on BA.5.2, there is no significant difference between them.

"The proportion of Omicron infections infected twice a year is tiny."

Zhong said that a tiny proportion of Omicron infections would be infected again in one year because of the antigen.

"Asymptomatic infections basically have no sequela."

Some clinical manifestations such as smell and taste disorders, muscle pain, sleep disorders, and fatigue are not symptoms of sequela. Compared to Delta, Omicron has a lower proportion in sequela. Vaccination will lower the risk of having sequela.

"The later people have infected Omicron, the milder symptoms they will have."

Zhong explained that Omicron infection is a natural rule. With its strong transmission, most people will be infected. However, people who are infected later will experience milder symptoms. Therefore, people should concentrate on prevention. 

"Mass infections in a short time will cause social disorder and cultivate new mutant strains."

Although the data show Omicron will infect most people, it is still essential to have personal prevention because the mass infection in a short time will cause social disorder and cultivate new mutant strains. Therefore, Zhong strongly urged strengthening vaccination and emphasizing the importance of daily prevention, including wearing masks, washing hands, and keeping social distance.