CAN WE BE CAREFUL OF KP. 1 AND KP. 2?
Worldwide there has not been a large number of hospitalisations. The mortality rate has likewise remained small.  ,
Dr. Leong predicted that due to the KP, cases did “minor adoption” in Singapore over the upcoming weeks. 1 and KP. 2 variations.
He added, however, that this raise may be “relatively small compared to JN. 1″, as previous infections from JN. 1 does bestow” important protective benefit” to KP. 1 and KP. 2.
The risk is that follow infection may raise the risk of developing lengthy- COVID, said Dr Fikadu Tafesse, a microbiologist at Oregon Health &, Science University.
And there is no solution for lengthy- COVID, Dr Leong noted. ” It is a dark hole of uncertainties”, he said, adding that people should get vaccinated to avoid the risk of lengthy- term illness.
ARE CURRENT VACCINES STILL EFFECTIVE?
Against JN. 1, the most recent vaccinations built around Omicron XBB. 1.5 do produce some fly- reactive antibody, said Professor Pekosz.
Studies have not been done with some of the newer varieties, he noted, adding that , those are likely to be” a little less combination- reactive”.
Dr. Leong’s opinion was comparable.  ,
” We are aware that the XBB-1. 5 immunization had a 50 % success rate against the JN. 1. We have a suspicion that the current vaccine wo n’t be as effective at preventing KP infections. 1 and KP. 2″, he told CNA.
” The main reason is the presence of the FLiRT abnormalities. The virus was able to dodge COVID’s existing resistance by changing the F amino acids to L and the R to T.
Some people have received their final dose of the vaccine, and resistance has waned with time. It has also been some months.
According to experts, vaccination is still the best course of action, particularly against serious illnesses.
” We firmly believe that the vaccination is also effective in preventing serious diseases like hospitalization and death,” Dr. Leong said.
The health department of Singapore claimed that during the most recent JN top month. Seniors over 60 and older who had not kept their vaccinations up to date had a 25 % higher incidence rate of COVID- 19 hospitalizations and intensive care admissions in December 2023 than those who had.
The US CDC announced that it was keeping an eye on how vaccinations work against KP. 2.
Additionally, governing bodies like the WHO and the US Food and Drug Administration are expected to propose a preparation for the updated COVID- 19 vaccines that will be released in the first half of the drop.
New COVID- 19 variants are likely to surface once a decision is made, but Professor Pekosz said the challenge is to find a formula that will when closely match the existing variations as possible.
ARE TEST KITS STILL EFFECTIVE?
Dr Leong said , COVID- 19 exam products are able to find the KP. 1 and KP. 2 variations.
” The COVID- 19 evaluation system tests against the N proteins. But the gene of KP varieties is mainly due to the rise protein”, he explained.
” The N protein has consistently been steady since the beginning with just small changes,” he says.
According to Professor Pekosz, tests, whether at home or in a hospital setting, will ensure that people are aware of their infection, which will help to better inform a care program.