COVID-19 Variant KP.3: What You Need to Know

covid variant news

As of June 8, 2024, a new COVID-19 variant, KP.3, has emerged as the dominant strain in the United States, making up over 25% of all cases. This new variant is a sublineage of JN.1, which is itself a descendant of the well-known Omicron variant. Here’s a rundown of what you should know about KP.3 and how to stay safe.

What Makes COVID-19 Variant KP.3 Stand Out?

  1. Similarity to JN.1:
    KP.3 is very similar to the JN.1 variant, with just two changes in the spike protein. Because of this similarity, the symptoms you might experience with KP.3 are likely to be quite similar to those of JN.1.
  2. Common Symptoms:
    If you catch KP.3, you might experience:
  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  1. Rapid Spread:
    KP.3 is spreading quickly, surpassing KP.2, which previously dominated. This new variant has led to a rise in test positivity rates and more visits to emergency rooms.
  2. Vaccine Effectiveness:
    The good news is that vaccines remain effective against KP.3. Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters can help protect you from severe illness.
  3. Public Health Measures:
    To keep yourself and others safe, it’s crucial to continue following public health guidelines:
  • Wear masks in crowded places
  • Maintain physical distancing
  • Practice good hand hygiene
  • Avoid large gatherings
  • Get vaccinated and keep up with boosters

Regional Impact Of COVID-19 New Variant

  • West and South: KP.3 is particularly prevalent in the western and southern states.
  • Midwest and Northeast: In these regions, the KP.2 variant still holds the top spot.
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Conclusion

While the rise of the KP.3 variant is noteworthy, it’s important to remember that it does not cause more severe symptoms than previous strains. By continuing to follow public health advice and staying informed about vaccinations, we can manage and control the spread of COVID-19 effectively.

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