[Click eStock] Analyzing the 'Omicron' Symptom Report

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Junho] Hyundai Motor Securities expressed expectations on the 7th that the demand for Novavax's recombinant protein vaccine will increase, based on a symptom analysis report on the Omicron variant of COVID-19 released by the South African Department of Health.

According to the symptom analysis report of the first two weeks of Omicron infection released on the 4th, the average hospitalization period for infected patients was 2.8 days, which is shorter compared to 8.5 days for the Delta variant. Most symptoms were mild. The number of patients admitted to intensive care units increased only from 233 to 278 over a week, a rise of 45 patients or 1.2 times.

Also, the number of patients requiring oxygen therapy was about four times higher among the unvaccinated compared to vaccinated individuals. The death toll remained lower than that of the Delta variant. The dependence on ventilators for oxygen supply also significantly decreased.

The number of confirmed cases increased 7.2 times from 2,273 on the 30th of last month to 16,366 on the 6th of this month. However, the average number of deaths decreased from 34 to 22.

However, due to South Africa's population distribution skewed towards younger age groups, the trend of confirmed cases was concentrated among those under 50 years old. Additionally, the number of confirmed cases among infants and toddlers is also increasing.

Researcher Eom Min-yong of Hyundai Motor Securities stated, "Since it is necessary to differentiate between Omicron, Delta variants, and influenza to prescribe vaccines and treatments accordingly, the demand for molecular diagnostics will also continue," adding, "the demand for Novavax's recombinant protein vaccine, which is expected to be safely administered with low side effects and capable of refrigerated distribution, will increase."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.