KP.3, the new COVID variant is here: What we know about it till now

KP.3, the new variant of COVID, is currently responsible for over 25% of all COVID cases in the US as per the data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is overtaking the previously dominant JN.1 variant. Apart from this, other variants of the FLiRT group of COVID variants are also driving COVID cases in the US.
What is the KP.3 COVID variant?
KP.3 is a "sublineage of the JN.1 lineage,” which comes from the Omicron variant, CDC spokesperson Rosa Norman.“KP.3 evolved from JN.1, which was the major viral lineage circulating since December 2023. It is very similar to JN.1 and only has two changes in spike compared to JN.1,” he told the USA Today.
KP.2, another major variant of COVID, currently accounts for 22.5% of COVID cases in the US.
What are the symptoms seen in the KP.3 COVID variant?
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, presents a wide array of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Common symptoms include fever, dry cough, and fatigue. Many patients also report a loss of taste or smell, which can be a distinguishing feature of the virus. Respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain can occur, especially in more severe cases. Muscle or joint pain, headaches, and sore throat are frequently reported.

Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are also observed, highlighting the virus's ability to affect multiple body systems. Some individuals experience skin manifestations, including rashes and discoloration of fingers or toes. The severity of symptoms varies widely; while some individuals remain asymptomatic, others develop life-threatening complications such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and multi-organ failure.
Children and adolescents tend to experience milder symptoms compared to adults. However, a rare but serious condition known as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has been linked to COVID-19. High-risk groups, including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and compromised immune systems, are more likely to develop severe symptoms and complications.
Early detection and isolation are crucial to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Testing, vaccination, and adherence to public health measures remain vital in managing and controlling the pandemic.
Experts say, vaccines do protect against KP.3 variant.
Preventing COVID-19 infection involves several key practices. Wear masks in public spaces to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets. Maintain physical distancing, keeping at least six feet away from others. Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid large gatherings and poorly ventilated areas. Stay informed about COVID-19 vaccines and get vaccinated when eligible. Follow public health guidelines, such as staying home when feeling unwell and adhering to local restrictions and recommendations. These measures collectively help reduce the risk of infection.