How to recognize the symptoms of the new Covid Kp3 variant

The Kp3 variant belongs to the Omicron family of variants, which is generally less pathogenic. This means that while there are still deaths among the most vulnerable individuals (about 20 per week), the severity of symptoms is generally lower compared to the earlier variants of the virus.

The population now also enjoys hybrid immunity, due to both previous infections and vaccination. This immunity provides some protection, though not complete.

"The COVID-19 virus is chameleonic," explains Prof. Pregliasco, "and is characterized by its ability to mutate. However, every time the virus replicates, errors can occur in the genomic sequence. Some of these go unnoticed, while others may provide advantages to the virus in terms of immune evasion, meaning a greater ability to escape the immune system and consequently spread more widely among the population."

This is a common characteristic of flu viruses as well. However, unlike the latter, COVID variants develop much more frequently, approximately every 4 to 6 months in a wave-like pattern. Additionally, the COVID virus is not seasonal, so mutations do not depend on climatic conditions.

The symptoms of the Kp3 variant are similar to those of other COVID-19 variants, but generally less severe. These include flu-like symptoms such as:

• Fever;
• Cough;
• Difficulty breathing;
• Loss of taste and smell (less common, but with this variant, we've seen it reappear).

"The Kp2 and Kp3 variants," continues Pregliasco, "are overall relatively benign in terms of pathogenicity. This reassures us, but it shouldn't lead us to completely lower our guard."

The duration of symptoms is also similar to that of other respiratory infections, making it difficult to distinguish COVID-19 from other respiratory viruses without a test.

As for treatment, much depends on the type of patient and the severity of the symptoms.

"For severe cases," emphasizes Pregliasco, "and especially in elderly patients or those with other conditions such as diabetes or respiratory or heart problems, a specific antiviral treatment is available. However, for most people, treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs and a few days of rest is sufficient."

To prevent infection with the COVID Kp3 variant, it's important to maintain some basic hygiene measures that we have become very familiar with over the years:

• Wash your hands frequently;
• Use masks in high-risk environments, such as hospital wards with immunocompromised patients;
• Avoid close contact with infected individuals.

If you are vulnerable or live with vulnerable individuals, it is advisable to get tested if you have symptoms, as the effects of COVID can still be very severe in this population group. This recommendation also applies to healthcare workers.

Vaccination remains a crucial tool, even at this stage where COVID tends to be less frightening.

"As we have seen before," continues Pregliasco, "we are dealing with an extremely mutable virus, so what we are currently exposed to is not exactly the same as what we were vaccinated against.

It's a bit like in movies: when you create a profile of the villain, but then they change their appearance by shaving off their mustache or wearing glasses. I therefore recommend that vulnerable individuals get vaccinated against COVID in the next vaccination campaign with the updated vaccine, just as we have done for the flu for many years. For the extremely vulnerable individuals, I recommend getting vaccinated right away."

In summary, we are in a phase of coexistence with COVID-19, which requires attention and common sense. Recognizing the symptoms of the new Kp3 variant, adopting preventive measures, and following vaccination recommendations can help reduce the risk of infection and, most importantly, protect the most vulnerable individuals.