JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The omicron variant is spreading fast around Florida, yet there is some optimism about the severity of the variant.
According to numbers compiled by the State of Florida, between Dec. 17 - Dec. 23, there were 125,201 new cases of COVID-19, compared to 29,519 the previous week. About 13% of COVID-19 tests were reported positive during that week as well.
“There's likely more viral replication or copying that's occurring in people with the omicron variants versus previous variants," infectious disease specialist Dr. Mohammed Reza said. "And that kind of goes along with the fact that this is so much more contagious."
Reza believes the impact from new infections will be seen in the coming weeks.
“You're looking at that two to six weeks time period, after you start seeing lots of people becoming infected with this virus, because it takes that long if you're gonna require hospitalization," Dr. Reza said.
While those numbers are expected to rise, there is may be good news on the severity of the current spike in COVID-19.
First, the state reported that only 28 people died last week, eleven less than the number of deaths reported the previous week (39).
In addition, the Florida Hospital Association reported that despite the high number of cases, the number of patients requiring hospitalizations is well below the hospitalizations reported when the delta variant hit its peak.
The association reports 2,075 people are hospitalized with COVID-19, compared to 17,121 reported on Aug. 23, when delta reached its peak.
RELATED: 'Our numbers remain stable' | As COVID infections rise, hospitalizations remain low in Jacksonville
The Florida Hospital Association also said that 29% of impatient beds are available as are 31% of adult ICU beds. In August, the impatient bed availability was at 12.9% while adult ICU bed availability was at 4.7%.
“Some of the data is showing that people have milder symptoms and require less hospitalization with the omicron variant," Reza said.
Florida Hospital Association President Mary C. Mayhew says that hospitals across the state are nevertheless preparing for a surge of patients.
“Based on the experiences in other countries and in other states that have been hit by this latest variant, we are optimistic that the Omicron variant will result in less severe illness. Unfortunately, omicron appears to be more contagious and still could lead to increased hospitalizations simply because of the volume of individuals affected," Mayhew said. "Currently, the numbers are still relatively small compared to what we experienced during the delta surge this summer, and hospitals statewide have significant bed availability to treat COVID and non-COVID patients."
The Florida Hospital Association says vaccination is the best protection against severe illness and possible hospitalization. The association also urges people to get their booster shot as well to better protect themselves.
“Get vaccinated get boosters because we know and we've seen it time and time again that those are the protections that we need to fight off different variants," Dr. Reza said.
A recent study by the University of Florida predicts omicron will peak in February with as many as 150,000 infections per day. However, the study predicts about one-fifth of those cases will be confirmed through test.
While the study does predict a large number of infections, it says the number of deaths will remain relatively low compared to the delta spike, as omicron appears to be less severe in most cases.
Reza warns, however, that people should take omicron seriously as it can be deadly.
“They're both viral infection so as much of the common cold, but you tend to be a bit sicker with COVID and with flu so symptoms," Dr. Reza said.