A trio of new Covid-19 variants (KP. 3, KP. 2 and LB. 1) are causing a surge in cases across the country, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting an increase in rates of test positivity (up to 1. 2%). . ), emergency room visits (14. 7%), hospitalizations (25%) and deaths (16. 7%) in the most recent week. Many other people are wondering, “Why are we experiencing a summer surge and what can I do to stay safe?” »
Between December 2023 and May 2024, the JN. 1 variant spread, a descendant of the Omicron strain, the main cause of Covid-19 cases in the country. However, in the last two months, three new subvariants (called through some FLiRT) of JN. 1 have emerged and now account for more than 70% of cases. These subvariants (KP. 3, KP. 2 and LB. 1) have several mutations in the gene that encodes the spike protein, which is targeted by antibodies generated by Covid-19 vaccines.
These mutations allow KP. 3, KP. 2, and LB. 1 to better evade the immune formula and potentially spread more efficiently. For those who received their last vaccine in 2023 or who had a herbal infection more than six months ago, it is less likely that their immune system could be infected by one of the new variants. This hole in expressed immunity against KP. 3, KP. 2 and LB. 1 contributes to the increase in Covid-19 cases in summer.
Fortunately, there is no evidence to suggest that infection with KP. 3, KP. 2, and LB. 1 is related to more severe symptoms. Most inflamed people have symptoms caused by previous variants of Covid-19, such as a sore throat and fever. , cough, body aches, and fatigue.
However, as the number of infections increases, so does the chance that highly vulnerable Americans, such as the elderly and the immunocompromised, will contract the virus and spread serious illness. These Americans would possibly experience difficulty breathing, possibly requiring hospitalization.
Despite the increase in Covid-19 cases in the summer, you can take safe measures to ensure your protection and that of those around you. First, if you feel sick, stay home and get a Covid-19 antigen test. If you are positive, you probably have Covid-19 and deserve to stay away from others until your symptoms disappear. If the antigen test at home is negative, have a laboratory test for Covid-19. The good news is that internal antigen controls, as well as laboratory controls, deserve to continue encountering new subvariants.
Second, if you’re hosting a summer gathering, try to hold it outdoors. The virus is less likely to spread in well-ventilated outdoor spaces. And if high temperatures mean you have to party indoors, ask your visitors to take a Covid-19 antigen test before they arrive.
Finally, get an updated vaccine this fall. The Food and Drug Administration recently recommended vaccine brands target the JN. 1 lineage, and, if possible, the KP. 2 subvariant, in the next vaccine formulation. These new vaccines should be available this fall and will generate a faster antibody reaction compared to recently circulating strains. Vaccination continues to be the most productive tool we have to save ourselves from infections and, above all, serious diseases.
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