A scientific perspective of how and why Omicron is less severe than SARS-CoV-2

Omicron is currently the dominant variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),the coronavirus responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic.Omicron is associated with mild symptoms,although it can cause harmful effects in high-risk patient populations.Omicron and COVID-19 affect multiple organ systems,including the respiratory system,gastrointestinal tract,car-diovascular system,central nervous system,ophthalmic system,genitourinary tract,and musculoskeletal system.COVID-19 infects additional organ systems,including the hematological system,hepatobiliary system,renal system,and dermatologic system.The viral-induced complica-tions were compared to discuss the effects of Omicron versus the authentic SARS-CoV-2 virus,revealing less detrimental outcomes for Om-icron.Moreover,COVID-19 is more likely to infect older adults,males,and obesity with mild to severe symptoms.Omicron causes mild symp-toms in younger populations and overweight females.Data were acquired using PubMed,Centers for Disease Prevention and Control,and the World Health Organization.COVID-19 and Omicron mechanisms causing organ system-related complications are likely because of the nat-ural immune response to the active infection,the uncontrollable release of cytokines causing cytokine release syndrome,and direct viral dam-age through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2/transmembrane serine protease 2 receptor binding and entrance to the host cell for infection.