The number of patients co-infected with both the Delta and Omicron variants is quite rare, making it difficult to determine the severity.
According to infectious disease physician Dr. Kurt Krause, a biochemistry professor at the University of Otago (New Zealand), it is entirely possible for someone to be infected with two different variants simultaneously. However, this scenario is very rare and only occurs under specific circumstances.
For example, a person may be exposed to the Omicron variant (BA1 or BA2) and become infected. Then, before their body develops an immune response to the virus, they may be exposed to the Delta variant. This situation can lead to co-infection.
“It is very rare for someone to be exposed to two types of viruses at the same time when they are not immune to either variant. Generally, when you have an immune response against one variant of the coronavirus, it will prevent infection from another variant. Therefore, co-infection only occurs at the moment you are infected with both variants, you have been exposed to both, and you have not yet developed your immune response,” Dr. Krause explained.
Infectious disease physician Dr. Kurt Krause, Biochemistry Professor at the University of Otago (New Zealand)
Additionally, since only a few cases of co-infection with Covid-19 have been recorded, it is very challenging to determine the severity of the infection compared to individuals infected with just one variant.
According to Associate Professor Jo Kirman from the University of Otago (New Zealand), co-infection with Covid-19 variants is very rare. However, the phenomenon of dual infections in general among other respiratory viruses is actually quite common.
Associate Professor Jo Kirman has been involved in research on respiratory viruses, including RSV, in infants and children in New Zealand for many years. In a study from a few years ago, she noted that there is a significant number of children suffering from dual or triple infections of respiratory viruses.
