Flirting With a Surge

Two new Covid variants are circulating. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( [Wake-Up Call] [by Katie Couric Media] May 9, 2024 Are we flirting with another spike in Covid cases? Here’s [what experts are saying about the new variants](. We’ll also explore [the interesting way women are treating menopause symptoms]( from home and [what’s really causing your insomnia](. Away we go!   In the News [an illustration of Covid waves]( Getty Images Double Trouble Believe it or not, Covid is still around — and a new set of variants, called the “FLiRT” strains, is quickly spreading across the country. We’ve [put them under the microscope:]( What are they? The strains, KP.2 and KP.1.1, are offshoots of the Omicron subvariant JN.1, which until last month was the most common form of the virus in the U.S. What’s with the nickname? The nickname comes from the technical names of the two variants’ mutations, one of which includes the letters “F” and “L,” while the other includes “R” and “T.” How common are they? According to the latest data from the CDC, KP.2 became the dominant strain in mid-April, accounting for about 25% of cases, while KP.1.1 is responsible for 7.5% of cases. Here’s what experts are saying about [whether they’ll cause a summer surge]( and how our vaccines hold up against them. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fcovid-19%2Fnew-covid-flirt-variant-symptoms%2F   More Stories [President Biden speaking into microphone, U.S. flags in background]( Getty Images President Biden says he'll stop sending U.S. weapons to Israel if it launches a major invasion of Rafah. “Civilians have been killed in Gaza as a consequence of those bombs," he told CNN. Meanwhile, clashes broke out in Tel Aviv last night between Israeli police and families of hostages who were taken by Hamas. The House voted to block Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s bid to oust Speaker Mike Johnson. Johnson's victory, which came with the help of the Democrats, does however expose him to more scrutiny from the right of the GOP. Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has said that some of his past health issues, including memory loss and brain fog in 2010, were caused by a worm that "got into my brain and ate a portion of it and then died,” the New York Times reports. A camp set up at Trinity College Dublin by students protesting the war in Gaza has been dismantled after the university agreed to divest from three Israeli companies. Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava has given up her crown, days after Miss USA resigned. "My values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization,” the 17-year-old explained.   Tune In For this week's Next Question, I sat down with Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen, co-founders of Politico and later Axios. Jim and Mike are brilliant, and our wide-ranging interview touches on everything from the digital revolution in journalism to covering Trump in 2024, and much more. [Give it a listen!](   Must-Reads [Illustration of woman sleeping on a pocket watch]( Wide Awake Millions of Americans deal with insomnia, so we've got an eye-opening look at why you could be struggling to fall — or stay — asleep. [Read More »]( [Jennifer Lopez at the Met Gala]( Rumor Mill We've all probably heard the rumor that JLo's famous derrière is insured. Here's the tea on that — and other pervasive celebrity myths. [Read More »]( [A hand holding a marijuana leaf between the thumb and forefingers]( Home Remedy With marijuana being legal in more areas of the country, we dove deep into how more women are using it to treat menopause symptoms. [Read More »](   Think Big I'm excited to be back on the Aspen Ideas Festival stage next month! It's always a place where thought leaders come together to discuss big ideas, and this year I'll be moderating panels and doing some fantastic celeb interviews. There'll be more info to come, but I can promise you won't want to miss it this year — so make sure to [grab your tickets early](! [REGISTER HERE](   Take Care [hand holding Versine gel with red and yellow poppies behind the serum]( CocoaVia Did you know that all skincare products may not be safe for pregnant women and new moms? That's why Jennie Gao founded Versine, a pregnancy-safe skincare line. The brand’s formulas are effective and gentle, like [this incredibly hydrating gel-serum hybrid](. It brings moisture back to dry skin and fights fine lines and hyperpigmentation. Use code MayLove20 for 20% off all month. [SHOP HERE](   One More Thing The right scent can be a powerful way to make a lasting impression. Charlotte Tilbury just launched [emotion-boosting perfumes]( in six unique, personalized fragrances — take a short quiz to determine the perfect one for you.   [Ripple Effect by Katie Couric Media]( Thanks for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.