There is a new variant of COVID 19.

The CDC says it's quickly become the new dominant variant across the U.S. And while early indications suggest it's not causing an increase in hospitalizations, it's still nothing to flirt with more.

In today's medical.

News, COVID 19 viruses continue to circulate and they continue to change.

And that's not surprising because that's just what viruses do.

Back in February and March, the J in one variant was the most common COVID 19 variant circulating in the U.S. and that has changed.

Now CPT two and a related virus.

KP 1.1 are the among the most common viruses circulating.

Together, they make up about a third of COVID 19 cases in the U.S..

These viruses are part of a group of viruses that have been nicknamed the Flirt.

Variants.

And what they have in common is a set of mutations in the spike protein.

And the spike protein is the part of the virus that allows it to attach to our cells.

Right now, they don't appear to be causing more disease.

They're not driving an increase in cases.

Hospitalizations remain low.

IT Kentucky has a viral respiratory dashboard that include hospitalizations and emergency department visits for COVID 19 in the commonwealth.

And if we look at that dashboard cases, they are not increasing.

So the most current vaccine was released last fall.

It was recommended for everyone six months and older.

Earlier this year, the CDC said that people who are 65 and older can get an additional dose of that current XP B vaccine because immunity does wane.

And we know that people 65 and older have an increased risk for severe COVID 19.

So I would say to people, if you fit into that age group, if you've not been vaccinated and you have health risk that put you at risk for severe COVID 19.

Talk to your doctor about vaccination.

Be on the lookout for COVID 19 vaccine this fall because we'll have a new vaccine.

We know that many people, when they develop respiratory symptoms, they don't test themselves for COVID.

They don't go to the doctor for a test.

But there are some people who are at risk for developing severe infection and from COVID 19.

And for those people, it's important to test because if they are positive, there are treatments available that can cut the risk of hospitalization from COVID 19.

So if if you have a health condition that puts you at risk for disease, hit for severe disease from COVID 19 test, and if you test positive.

Talk to your health care provider about what treatments are available to you.