Health authorities across the UK are on high alert as a new Covid variant, dubbed KP.3, rapidly becomes the dominant strain. Unlike previous iterations of the virus, its symptoms are deceptively mild, often masquerading as a common cold, making it easier to miss and inadvertently spread.
Stealthy Symptoms: Why This Variant is Different
The most concerning aspect of the KP.3 variant is its clinical presentation. The classic signs that became synonymous with earlier Covid waves, such as a loss of taste or smell, are now far less common. Instead, the variant manifests through a trio of symptoms that are easily dismissed:
- A sore throat
- A runny nose
- A persistent cough
This shift means many infected individuals are continuing their daily routines, unknowingly transmitting the virus to colleagues, friends, and family.
A Surge in Cases: The UK's Summer Wave
Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirms a significant rise in infections, with KP.3 driving this new summer wave. Hospitalisation rates, particularly among the most vulnerable age groups, have begun to trend upwards, putting additional pressure on NHS services during a typically quieter period.
The variant's increased transmissibility is a key factor in its spread, allowing it to outcompete other circulating strains with ease.
Protecting Yourself and Others
Experts are urging the public to adopt a cautious approach. If you experience any cold-like symptoms, however mild, the advice is to consider taking a lateral flow test to rule out Covid. Limiting contact with others, especially those who are elderly or immunocompromised, is strongly recommended until you are sure.
Vaccination remains the strongest defence against severe illness. Those who are eligible for a spring booster jab are being encouraged to get it without delay to bolster their protection against this evolving threat.
