Symptoms of the new Covid variant: From loss of taste to loss of smell
The virus that causes Covid is constantly mutating. It was identified in April A group of new viral strains called FLiRT variantsA term used to describe an entire family of different types, Including KP.2, JN.1.7 and any other variant beginning with KP or JNwhich appear to have acquired the same set of mutations independently. That’s known as convergent evolution, according to Johns Hopkins University on its website.
What is known about these new strains?
According to an article from Yale University, “To better understand the origin of FLiRT strains, it is useful to analyze the evolution of the virus over time, as mutations arise in its genetic code.” The text also indicates that Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2which was established in the United States in 2021, gave rise to various subtypes including JN.1Identified in September 2023.
Due to their ability to spread rapidly and their potential to evade acquired immunity, FLiRT variants have become a significant concern in the United States due to both past infections and vaccines, leading the Centers for Disease Control and the CDC to closely monitor them.
What is the KP.3 variant?
The KP.3 version comes from JN.1.11.1, which is a direct descendant of JN.1 and the main concerns of this combination lie in it their genetic mutations, particularly in the spike proteinwhich is the key for the virus to enter human cells. This has led to a rapid increase in cases in highly populated areas such as California, one of the worst-affected regions in the United States.
According to Johns Hopkins University, At the end of March, “the KP.2 variant was responsible for about 4% of COVID-19 infections in the United Stateswhile its original strain, JN.1, caused more than 50% of infections at that time. By early May, KP.2 had risen to 28% of infections, and overtook JN.1 as the dominant variant.
Now it’s KP.3’s turn Since, according to California Department of Public Health model projections, KP.3 is expected to occur Variant with the highest ratioWith 41.9%.
Who can be affected by the new variant of Covid-19?
The cases reported in the United States due to the KP.3 variant have occurred in people of different age groups. Some experts have noted that, Even if people got JN.1, they may get the KP.3 variantEspecially if your last COVID-19 infection was several months or more ago.
What are the symptoms of the new strain?
At this time, the common symptoms of the new COVID-19 KP.3 and other variants of the FLiRT strain are:
- nasal congestion
- sore throat
- Tiredness
- Headache
- cough
- muscle or body aches
- fever or chills
- nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of taste or smell
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
What precautions can be taken to avoid getting infected?
California state health officials continue to recommend Vaccination as the main strategy to reduce the risk of severe diseasehospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19. But there are also Other measures easy to follow:
- Get vaccinated against Covid and stay updated Updated vaccines
- Use “surgical masks Disposable and preferably N95 or KN95
- wash hands wash often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially if you’re in a public place
- use the Hand Sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing
- Practice social distancing stay at least 2 metres away from other people
- avoid crowded closed spaces and closed spaces with poor ventilation
- Avoid direct contact with people who have COVID-19
- Clear and Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfacesEspecially if a family member has a positive PCR and antigen test result or is sick