New KP.3 Covid variant symptoms as reports grow of 'summer wave' of infections

Concerns are growing that a summer wave of Covid is sweeping the country with a new variant KP.3 said to have been growing. The BBC has reported on a perceived rise in infections and hospitals are reporting a rise in admissions with the virus, with the more virulent type being detected in the UK - after driving a big rise in the USA.

The KP.3 type belongs to a new group of COVID-19 variants known collectively as FLiRT, an unofficial name inspired by the mutations in the genetic code of the variants. They are a sublineage of JN.

The KP3 variant, which has driven a rise in cases in the US, has also been identified in the UK in small numbers. Hospital admissions went up to 3.31 admissions per 100,000 in the week to 16 June, compared with 2.67 per 100,000 in the previous week.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it needed “more data” on the new variants to understand how severe and transmissible they might be. Hospital admissions have increased by 24 per cent in the week ending on Sunday, the latest data shows. CDC Spokesperson, Rosa Norman, has confirmed that the symptoms associated with KP. 3 are identical to those from JN.1, including fever or chills. This aligns with anecdotal reports posted online.

The list of potential symptoms also includes:

• High temperature or shivering
• New, continuous cough
• Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling tired or exhausted
• Aching body
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Blocked or runny nose
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea
• Feeling sick or being sick

The NHS advises that individuals should stay at home and avoid contact with others if they or their children have symptoms and either: Have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or carry out normal activities.

It’s also highlighted that vaccinations are crucial in preventing severe illness and hospitalisation from both flu and COVID-19. This is particularly important for over-75s, those with weakened immune systems, and residents in care homes for older adults, who are being urged to get their spring booster shots.

Giving his thoughts on recent surges, Leeds University’s Professor Steve Griffin stated: “This is clearly early days, but it certainly looks as though yet another Covid wave is building.” “If the rise in hospitalisations continues, this is obviously worrying. Although we’ve just had a spring booster campaign for vulnerable populations, the uptake was lower than in 2023, and there is a considerable difference between the current vaccines and circulating viruses.”

The UKHSA said it was “impossible” to tell at this stage whether these new variants were behind the small rise in hospital admissions.

There are no longer any legal restrictions requiring people to self-isolate if they have Covid. You also do not need to take a lateral flow test and there is no requirement to wear masks.

However, government advice, external is to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for five days after testing positive.

The UKHSA’s consultant epidemiologist Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal said: “If you are showing symptoms of Covid-19 or flu, help protect others by staying at home and avoiding contact with other people, especially those who are more vulnerable.”