KP.3, a variant derived from Omicron, has grown more prevalent recently. Initially, it accounted for just 1.8% of COVID cases in mid-April. By June 8, it had surged to about 25%, becoming the most widespread variant.
Dr. Hannah Wang from Cleveland Clinic stated that KP.3 now causes about 25% of COVID-19 infections in the U.S. She mentioned that KP.3 is linked to other variants known as KP.1 and KP.2, collectively called "FLiRT" variants due to shared mutation features with letters "F," "L," "R," and "T."
If you've had COVID-19 recently, it's likely you were infected with one of these newer variants. Dr. Wang noted that these variants account for about 70% of current COVID-19 infections. However, without a lab analysis, it's impossible to determine the specific variant as at-home tests cannot distinguish between them.
Recent CDC data show no changes in COVID-19 deaths or hospitalizations, but there was an increase in the test positivity rate during early June.
Experts advise testing for COVID-19 if you think you might be sick, even though cold and flu season has ended.
Despite KP.3 becoming more common, experts have not observed any new or unusual symptoms.
"Wang said there's no evidence yet that KP.3 or other FLiRT variants cause new symptoms beyond those seen with recent strains of the virus."
Overall, healthcare providers aren't observing anything "new or different" with the KP.3 variant, according to Dr. Waleed Javaid, epidemiologist and director of Infection Prevention and Control at Mount Sinai Downtown.
Rapid tests are expected to detect KP.3 and its mutations, similar to how they detect other viruses. The virus causing COVID-19 mutates to increase its adaptability, potentially making it easier to spread by changing its genetic code.
COVID-19 tests, including rapid tests, are designed to detect all variants rather than specific ones. They detect antigens from the virus that causes COVID-19 but cannot differentiate between different variants.
Even with warmer weather, COVID-19 continues to spread. Wang noted an increase in cases in her region based on current data.
"We're observing similar variant frequencies and distributions in our region according to local surveillance sequencing data," she said. "There's been a slight rise in the COVID-19 test positivity rate, similar to trends seen in other areas, but hospitalization and emergency department visit rates remain relatively low overall."
If you think you might have COVID-19, it's crucial to get tested, especially if you'll be around immunocompromised individuals in your community. "Consider testing before interacting with those at high risk for severe COVID-19, such as older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and others with specific medical conditions," Javaid advised.
Javaid emphasized two situations that warrant testing: using a rapid test if you've been near someone with a confirmed COVID case or if you're showing symptoms like fever, chills, fatigue, cough, or sore throat.
Certain health conditions may require people to test for COVID-19 outside of these scenarios, Wang explained. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance on how often to test, especially if you have chronic medical conditions.
If your COVID-19 test is positive and you're at high risk for severe infection, seek medical care. Otherwise, isolate yourself until your symptoms improve, according to the CDC.
A negative COVID-19 test doesn't guarantee that you're not infected. It could be that you tested too early before the virus could be detected.
If you tested negative for COVID-19 after having symptoms, the FDA recommends testing again 48 hours later.
If you tested negative for COVID-19 after exposure, the recommendation is to test again 48 hours later, and then once more 48 hours after the second test, totaling three tests.
SOURCE: Verywell Health