LB.1 is the newest COVID-19 subvariant to make headlines because it circulates in the USA. The extremely contagious pressure, which emerged shortly after the “FLiRT” variants, together with KP.3 and KP.2, is inflicting an rising proportion of infections. Because the U.S. sees an uptick in circumstances and emergency room visits across the nation, some are involved a few summer time wave. LB.1 is the third-leading COVID-19 variant within the U.S. proper now, trailing shut behind the dominant KP.3 and KP.2, in line with the newest knowledge from the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention.As of June 22, KP.3 accounts for an estimated 33% of circumstances within the U.S. The following commonest variant is KP.2, which makes up about 21% of circumstances, adopted by LB.1, which is driving 17.5% of circumstances.For the reason that finish of Might, the share of circumstances attributable to LB.1 has greater than doubled, per CDC knowledge. In response to some specialists, this new mutated variant could also be on monitor to surpass the FLiRT variants within the coming weeks.Whereas total COVID-19 numbers, together with hospitalizations and deaths, are comparatively low in comparison with the winter, it’s clear that the virus is on the rise. Is the nation going through a summer time surge?Here is what we find out about summer time COVID-19 traits and the brand new LB.1 variant thus far.Is there a summer time surge?In current weeks, circumstances have been on the rise in most U.S. states, particularly within the West. The CDC estimates that as of June 25, COVID-19 circumstances are rising or seemingly rising in 44 states, secure or unsure in 5 states, and declining in a single state, Hawaii. “As of now (early July), we’re not seeing any main nationwide surge in circumstances, however circumstances are transferring up in some locations and regular in others,” Andrew Pekosz, Ph.D., virologist at Johns Hopkins College, tells TODAY.com. The nation is probably going at first of a wave, Pekosz provides, however it’s nonetheless too early to inform how summer time COVID-19 traits will unfold.Take a look at positivity was at 8% as of June 22, per the CDC, up 1.4% from the earlier week however decrease than a peak of 12% within the winter. A CDC map reveals that take a look at positivity is highest in California and the Southwest U.S.Viral exercise in wastewater is “low” nationally, whereas it was “excessive” or “very excessive” for many of the winter. (The CDC now not tracks the entire variety of new COVID-19 circumstances within the U.S.)In response to Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious ailments at Vanderbilt College Medical Heart, what we’re seeing now could be extra of an anticipated “bump.” In contrast to influenza, COVID-19 isn’t seasonal and continues to unfold in the summertime, however these bumps are far much less substantial than winter surges, Schaffner provides.As summer time trip journey peaks and folks more and more collect indoors within the air-con to flee warmth waves, COVID-19 is anticipated to maintain rising. “If it hasn’t bumped in your group but, it in all probability will after all of the July Fourth journey,” says Schaffner.What’s LB.1?LB.1 is a part of the omicron household — the latest nice grandchild, so to talk, says Schaffner. The LB.1 subvariant is an offshoot of JN.1, which was dominant for many of the winter and spring.”LB.1 is intently associated to the FLiRT variants, however it has a few distinctive mutations in numerous elements of the spike protein,” says Pekosz. These embody key mutations that have an effect on LB.1’s capability to evade immunity.Really helpful”We’ve seen mutations like this earlier than with different variants (together with JN.1). … They don’t appear to be significantly regarding or an indication that the virus has modified drastically,” Pekosz provides. The emergence of LB.1 continues an ongoing pattern, the specialists notice. The SARS-CoV-2 virus mutates and provides rise to new variants, that are higher in a position to escape immunity and outcompete different strains till a brand new one emerges.Greater than 97% of individuals within the U.S. have pure or vaccine-induced antibodies towards COVID-19, however this fades over time, per the CDC.Is LB.1 extra transmissible?A attribute of omicron subvariants is that they’re very transmissible. “LB.1 extremely contagious, and it’s spreading very readily,” says Schaffner. How does LB.1 evaluate to different new strains? “It is too quickly to inform, however thus far, there isn’t a sign that it’s extra transmissible than the FLiRT variants,” Dr. Bernard Camins, medical director of an infection prevention at Mount Sinai Well being System, tells TODAY.com. “It might be extra more likely to escape immunity gained from an infection or the vaccine, however it hasn’t proven that it is extra harmful than earlier subvariants,” says Camins.The current enhance in circumstances seems to be pushed by a mixture of recent variants, together with LB.1 and the FLiRT strains. Nonetheless, decreases in testing and genomic surveillance make it difficult to precisely monitor the virus. “It’s changing into tougher for us to get sense of how shortly a variant is rising,” says Pekosz.What are the signs of LB.1?LB.1 doesn’t appear to be inflicting any distinct or new signs and there’s no indication that it produces extra extreme illness, the specialists emphasize. The signs of LB.1 are similar to these attributable to the FLiRT variants, which embody: Sore throatCoughFatigueCongestionRunny noseFever or chillsHeadacheMuscle achesNew lack of sense of style or smellNausea or vomitingDiarrheaThe newer strains look like producing usually milder infections, says Schaffner. “Some folks can nonetheless expertise extreme signs, sufficient to hospitalize them,” says Camins — particularly, excessive threat teams: folks age 65 and older, folks with underlying medical situations, and people who’re immunocompromised.Emergency room visits have elevated by 23% up to now week, however are nonetheless comparatively low, and hospitalization charges stay at a gentle stage, per the CDC. Antivirals akin to Paxlovid are efficient towards LB.1 and different current strains, Schaffner notes.Do vaccines shield towards LB.1? “The present vaccine will supply safety towards extreme illness,” says Schaffner. Proper now, the up to date 2023–2024 COVID-19 booster focusing on the XXB.1.5 pressure continues to be obtainable. The CDC recommends high-risk teams get a further dose.The up to date 2024–2025 vaccine to be launched this fall can be anticipated to supply safety, the specialists emphasize. “LB.1 is intently associated to KP.2, which seems to be prefer it’ll be the pressure focused within the vaccine for this coming fall season,” says Pekosz. “Earlier knowledge present that even when the vaccine does not precisely match what’s circulating, there’s cross-reactivity that offers you some safety,” says Camins. The specialists encourage everybody who’s eligible to get an up to date 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine this fall.Tips on testing and isolation in 2024If you develop COVID-19 signs or have an publicity, get examined, the specialists emphasize. Testing is a vital device to guard your self and forestall the unfold of the virus. PCR and antigen checks will detect LB.1 and different new variants, Camins notes. When you use an antigen take a look at, observe FDA suggestions to keep away from a false unfavorable consequence.The CDC recommends individuals who take a look at constructive keep dwelling whereas sick and keep away from contact with others. In response to the present isolation pointers, folks can return to regular actions solely after they’ve been fever-free (with out remedy) and signs have been enhancing for at the least 24 hours.”When you’re in a high-risk group and also you take a look at constructive for COVID-19, we might offer you Paxlovid to forestall extreme sickness,” says Schaffner.Easy methods to shield towards LB.1 variantAs COVID-19 circumstances preserve rising this summer time, take into account taking further steps to guard your self and others. The CDC recommends folks:Keep updated with COVID-19 vaccines.Put on a masks in crowded, indoor areas.Apply good hand hygiene.Cowl coughs and sneezes.Enhance air flow.Apply social distancing.Caroline Kee is a well being reporter at TODAY primarily based in New York Metropolis.