COVID’s still around, but it’s not the same old virus we met back in 2020. Nope, it’s been evolving, throwing new variants at us like a never-ending show with too many plot twists. The latest stars? Meet KP.2, KP.3, and LB.1—members of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron family. These variants are now making up a significant chunk of new COVID-19 cases in the U.S., with KP.3.1.1 being the one to watch, currently responsible for about 28% of cases.

What’s the Deal with These New Variants?

These new variants have some fancy names based on specific mutations, like “FLiRT” variants, which refer to particular changes in the virus’s spike protein. The KP.2 and KP.3 variants, for example, are part of this FLiRT family. The LB.1 variant also has a special mutation that sets it apart—kind of like a bonus feature on a DVD.

Immunity and Vaccines: Are We Still Protected?

Here’s the good news: Over 95% of people in the U.S. have antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, either from getting the vaccine, catching the virus, or both. That means most of us have some level of protection. However, these new variants are pretty good at dodging our immune defenses, which means they could still sneak past, even if you’ve had the latest vaccine.

For example, KP.2 and KP.3 variants have shown they can escape some of the protection offered by the newest vaccines. But don’t freak out just yet—researchers believe that if you’ve had a recent JN.1 infection (another Omicron relative), you might still have some defense against these new variants.

Transmissibility: How Fast Are They Spreading?

KP.2, KP.3, and LB.1 aren’t just lounging around; they’re spreading fast. Early research suggests that these variants might be more contagious than their predecessors. For instance, LB.1 is gaining ground quickly and could even overtake KP.3 as the dominant variant soon.

Symptoms are pretty much what you’d expect: sore throat, cough, fatigue, and some folks are reporting a return of those annoying headaches and muscle pains. It’s not likely to put you in the hospital if you’re generally healthy, but it’s no picnic either.

What About Vaccines?

Vaccines are still our best bet against severe COVID-19. But the new variants might make things trickier. KP.2, KP.3, and LB.1 all seem to be better at evading vaccine-induced immunity than older variants. This doesn’t mean vaccines are useless—it just means they might be less effective against these particular variants.

For now, the CDC still recommends keeping up with your COVID-19 vaccines, especially if you’re in a high-risk group. And if you’re 65 or older, you might want to consider getting an updated shot this fall.

Updated vaccines are expected to roll out soon, so keep an eye out for announcements. It’s designed to give your immune system a refresher course on how to handle these new strains. Think of it like updating your phone’s software to fix bugs and improve performance.

Testing & Treatments: What Works?

The tools we’ve been using to detect COVID-19—like PCR and rapid tests—still work for these new variants. And if you do get sick, the antiviral drug Paxlovid is still effective against them.

So, while COVID-19 is still here, but it’s more of an annoying background character than the main villain these days. As it continues evolving, our ability to fight it is evolving too. Stay informed, keep an eye out for new vaccines, and let’s keep this sequel from turning into a trilogy.

CDC COVID Data Tracker: Link

COVID-19 Real-Time Learning Network Link