The Omicron variant of the virus that causes Covid-19 likely acquired at least one of its mutations by picking up a snippet of genetic material from another virus - possibly one that causes the common cold - present in the same infected cells, according to researchers. This could mean the virus transmits more easily, while only causing mild or asymptomatic disease.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/covid-19-omicron-variant-may-have-picked-up-a-piece-of-common-cold-virus/articleshow/88082833.cms