A trio of new variants — KP.3, KP.2 and LB.1 — is fueling a nationwide surge in Covid-19 cases, with the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionan increase in the rates of test positivity , emergency department visits , hospitalizations and death in the most recent week. This has many asking, “Why are we experiencing a summer surge and what can I do to stay safe?”Between December 2023 and May 2024, the JN.
These mutations allow KP.3, KP.2 and LB.1 to more effectively evade the immune system, and potentially spread more efficiently. For those who received their last vaccination in 2023 or experienced a natural infection more than 6 months ago, it’s less likely that their immune system will ward off infection by one of the new variants. This gap in specific immunity against KP.3, KP.2 and LB.1 is helping drive theFortunately, there is no evidence to suggest that infection with KP.3, KP.2 and LB.
However, as the number of infections rise, so does the possibility that highly susceptible individuals — such as the elderly and immunocompromised — may contract the virus and develop severe disease. These individuals may experience difficulty breathing, which may require hospitalization.Despite the summer surge in Covid-19 cases, there are steps you can take to keep yourself and those around you safe. First, if you’re feeling ill, stay home and take a Covid-19 antigen test.
Second, if you’re hosting a summer gathering, try to have it outdoors. The virus is less likely to spread in outdoor, well-ventilated spaces. And if high temperatures force the party indoors, consider asking your guests to take a Covid-19 antigen test prior to arriving.vaccine manufacturers to target the JN.1 lineage, and if possible the KP.2 subvariant, in the upcoming vaccine formulation.
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