How different is LP.8.1 compared to the current XFG.5 variant circulating in Ontario?

You can see from the Venn diagram that LP.8.1 has 4 different amino acid mutations that aren't in the XFG.5 or JN.1 spike protein, and XFG.5 has 6 amino acid mutations not present in the other two ( https://cov-spectrum.org/explore/World/AllSamples/AllTimes/variants?nextcladePangoLineage=JN.1&nextcladePangoLineage1=LP.8.1&nextcladePangoLineage2=XFG.5&analysisMode=CompareEquals& ). LP.8.1 and XFG.5 have 5 amino acid mutations that are common between them in the spike protein so would be present in the fall 2025 LP.8.1 mRNA & Novavax Japan vaccine formulas. 3/

LP.8.1 is what this fall's Japan Novavax vaccine and the mRNA vaccines are designed for which is now almost gone and typical of how these things work with vaccine manufacturing timing while Novavax is providing the previous year's JN.1 vaccine formula for the USA again.

LP.8.1 is a descendant of JN.1 from several years ago which became KP.1 before it became LP.8 as seen in the Sankey diagram. Last year's mRNA vaccines were based on KP.2 which was a different branch of variants. 2/

The AQHI even at the highest index of 10 still only recommends to the general population "Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.".

The Very High level of "+" above 10 is, "Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation." 15/