I would say “reduce replication” and, if one experiences a high exposure, that makes it all the more difficult for the immune system to catch up. Omicron replicates FAST, luckily, it seems more predisposed toward receptors in the Upper Respiratory Tract (similar to milder flus) than the Lower Respiratory Tract (H5N1)...
You could be right about that. Perhaps it's dependent on how many cells get the zinc. Zinc will stop replication within a cell, but only when it gets into the cells. It won't stop replication in cells that didn't absorb the zinc.
if one experiences a high exposure, that makes it all the more difficult for the immune system to catch up
That's what NAC is for. NAC is a precursor to Glutathione, and it is the Glutathione that will stop oxidative stress caused from the virus replicating faster than the body can stop it. It's the superoxidants that cause the organ failure.
Preventing Glutathione deficiency is the best way to keep the body strong while Omicron replicates until the antibodies catch up and start defeating the virus.
-PJ