Post by Nadica (She/Her) on Aug 8, 2024 0:47:00 GMT
COVID Warning as New KP.3.1.1 Variant Rises to US Dominance: 'Buckle Up' - Published Aug 5, 2024
Experts have warned that the new variant is 'more of a challenge' to our immune systems compared to previous variants.
A new coronavirus variant named KP.3.1.1 has risen to dominance in the U.S., almost doubling in prevalence in just two weeks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.Experts are warning that the new variant—which, as of August 3, accounts for more than 1 in 4 U.S.
cases—is 'more of a challenge' to our immune systems compared to previous variants.The new variant is a sub-lineage of the previously dominant KP.3, which rose to prominence at the end of May. Together, KP.3.1.1 and KP.3 account for almost half of all cases in the U.S., as the virus continues to spread amid a 'summer wave' of infections.Both KP.3.1.1 and KP.3 belong to a new class of variants nicknamed the 'FLiRT' variants. They are named after the mutations in the projections on the virus' surface that allow them to enter our cells. These projections, known as spike proteins, are also used as targets by our immune systems and vaccinations.According to early analysis , KP.3.1.
detection in wastewater surveys around the U.S., with 'very high' levels being detected in 20 states, according to the CDC. However, while the CDC has reported a steady increase in infections across the U.S. in recent weeks, hospitalizations remain relatively low. From what we have seen so far, the new FLiRT variants, while more infectious, do not generally cause severe symptoms. Still, it is important to isolate yourself from others if you begin to develop symptoms.
Experts have warned that the new variant is 'more of a challenge' to our immune systems compared to previous variants.
A new coronavirus variant named KP.3.1.1 has risen to dominance in the U.S., almost doubling in prevalence in just two weeks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.Experts are warning that the new variant—which, as of August 3, accounts for more than 1 in 4 U.S.
cases—is 'more of a challenge' to our immune systems compared to previous variants.The new variant is a sub-lineage of the previously dominant KP.3, which rose to prominence at the end of May. Together, KP.3.1.1 and KP.3 account for almost half of all cases in the U.S., as the virus continues to spread amid a 'summer wave' of infections.Both KP.3.1.1 and KP.3 belong to a new class of variants nicknamed the 'FLiRT' variants. They are named after the mutations in the projections on the virus' surface that allow them to enter our cells. These projections, known as spike proteins, are also used as targets by our immune systems and vaccinations.According to early analysis , KP.3.1.
detection in wastewater surveys around the U.S., with 'very high' levels being detected in 20 states, according to the CDC. However, while the CDC has reported a steady increase in infections across the U.S. in recent weeks, hospitalizations remain relatively low. From what we have seen so far, the new FLiRT variants, while more infectious, do not generally cause severe symptoms. Still, it is important to isolate yourself from others if you begin to develop symptoms.