The Natural History of the Omicron Variant?

Although they are not as yet peer-reviewed (the 'gold standard' for scientific publications), six recent studies have compared infections by the Omicron variant of Sars-CoV-2, with those by earlier viral versions (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/02/new-studies-reinforce-belief-that-omicron-is-less-likely-to-damage-lungs). The six studies all confirm that omicron is more likely to multiply in the upper respiratory tract. This is likely to account for the variant's greater transmission. Dense clouds of viral particles will easily emerge from the nose and throat, as infected people breathe, talk and sing. The studies also confirm that omicron is less likely to substantially multiply in the host's lungs. This may well result in this viral variant being less likely to cause serious disease and mortality. This is not, however, the virus adapting to its host, as is the case with some parasitic infections. People who are, however, infected by the omicron variant will produce antibodies that would counter earlier versions of the virus. If this is the case, Sars-CoV-2 looks as if it is on its way to resembling a seasonal 'flu. This is lucky, as this change was never pre-ordained.