After more than four years since the world was shut down due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), there are now two new distinct variants of the new coronavirus that are the dominant strains in Canada.

These new subvariants, known as KP.2 and KP.3, fall under the umbrella of Omicron, a type of mutation of the COVID-19 virus itself. They have spread very rapidly; by May 19, 49.2 percent of COVID-19 cases in Canada involved one of these strains.

But how much do these subvariants affect the human body? Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist at Toronto General Hospital, says that while it’s too early to know for sure, the likely scenario is that the virus's impact will vary for each individual.

In an interview with CTVNews.ca, Bogoch said, "It will cause predictable symptoms, just like the other subvariants of Omicron." "Some people will experience more severe infections, others will have milder infections, and some will have no symptoms at all."

Bogoch, who is also an associate professor at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Medicine, explained that factors such as age, health, and underlying medical conditions play a role.

He also noted that the current set of vaccines continues to "do a great job of reducing the risk of severe infection," so while the latest boosters do not account for these new variants, they still protect the most vulnerable individuals.

However, there is no indication in the first few months that the subvariant was present, prompting Canadians or public health officials to be concerned.

He stated that the first Omicron wave was terrible in late 2021 and early 2022. But subsequent Omicron waves had less and less impact on our healthcare system and our community.

He continued: "Of course, this does not diminish the seriousness of the coronavirus. It is awful, and some populations are extremely vulnerable." "Public health (at the federal and provincial levels) can do a lot of good by having clear, open, and transparent conversations with the public, just discussing the current situation of COVID-19."

Similar to the past few years that saw COVID-19 and flu seasons before 2020, cases were relatively low in the spring and summer before rising in the fall and winter. Bogoch expects that the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, Canada's leading group on vaccine guidance, will come up with recommendations in the fall, with new vaccines against the coronavirus being introduced around the same time as flu vaccines.

As Canadians begin to settle into life after years of pandemic restrictions, there is cautious optimism in a post-coronavirus world.

Bogoch said, "I think we are settling into something that is a bit more predictable." "But I still think we need to be humble and recognize that there is a lot we need to learn about this virus."