FLiRT COVID Strain Summer Wave: Scientists Warn of Seasonal Surge Amidst Detection, Spread of New Omicron Subvariants; What Are Their Symptoms?

Scientists warn that a summer wave of COVID-19 cases may follow the detection of novel Omicron subvariants spreading across the US.

Spread of FLiRT Omicron Subvariants

These newly discovered strains have been dubbed "FLiRT" due to the mutation positions within their spike proteins. Lawrence Young, a molecular oncology professor and virologist from the University of Warwick, says that FLiRT was identified first in US wastewater. However, its exact origins remain a mystery.

The virologist adds that the variant is spreading across and beyond the US.

Young explains that among these new FLiRT variants, one particular strain, KP.2, accounts for 25% of new US infections. It currently accounts for one out of four infections across the country, according to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Such figures make it the country's new dominant variant, overtaking the JN.1 variant, which was the most prevalent variant globally over the winter. This JN.1 variant accounted for roughly 22% of COVID cases across the US in the same span of two weeks.

Another circulating FLiRT variant, KP.1.1, accounts for roughly 7.5% of COVID cases within two weeks.

While hospitalizations and cases have plummeted in the country amidst a lull in COVID-19, the spread and circulation of these new variants spark concerns that the strains could trigger a summer wave of infections. However, it's important to note that it is too soon to tell if these variants would indeed trigger a surge or summer wave. What is clear is that the virus is still circulating, and we need to remain vigilant.

Initial evidence shows that KP.2 could be more contagious than earlier variants. However, knowing if it brings more danger is still too premature.

Young emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring of the variant's spread, which is challenging as current testing efforts are patchy. The waning immunity and new variant spread are a concern, especially for the most vulnerable, including those with compromised immunity and older people. However, these challenges are being actively addressed, and we are committed to keeping you updated.

He notes that although currently available vaccines do not match the variants perfectly, booster injections could offer a degree of protection. Nevertheless, it is possible that these variants could see a small infection wave in the coming months.

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FLiRT COVID Variants

From what is currently known, these variants' symptoms are similar to those of existing strains. Symptoms may include cough, chills, fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, headache, body aches, muscle aches, runny nose, loss of smell or taste, headache, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Young explains that typical precautions are advised to safeguard oneself against these new strains. He recommends undergoing testing if one feels unwell, staying home if positive results are yielded, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated areas, and wearing face masks in places full of people.

These FLiRT strains are among the latest variants in a long line of novel ones that stemmed from SARS-CoV-2. Since such variants are new to the scene, scientists are still trying to learn more about them.