FLiRT, a new family of COVID-19 variants, is rapidly spreading across the United States. This collection of novel COVID-19 variants is related to the Omicron JN.1 lineage. These are the KP.2 and KP.1.1 mutations, which are thought to be more infectious than previous Omicron variants. According to the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), KP.2-related infections are quickly growing. The other FLiRT strain, KP 1.1, is also circulating in the United States.
According to the IDSA, the word FLiRT is derived from the technical names of their mutations. Currently, two FLiRT variants have been found in the United States: KP.2 and KP 1.1.
Symptoms of FLiRT variant
The FLiRT variant’s symptoms remain the same. Common symptoms include a sore throat, cough, congestion, lethargy, tiredness, headache, body discomfort, fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, and even a loss of taste and smell.
The variants KP.2 and KP 1.1 have new mutations that make them more contagious than previous Omicron variants. Their symptoms, akin to earlier variants, include fever, cough, and fatigue. However, their heightened transmission rate demands stringent precautions.
Should I be worried?
The severity of these symptoms usually depends on underlying health conditions and current immunity status.
The current spread in the United States has raised concerns about a new wave of illness this summer. Unvaccinated people and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to these mutations.
It’s a minor surge, so don’t panic. We must be watchful and ensure that enhanced testing and continuous adherence to preventive measures are implemented to prevent transmission. We should follow COVID-friendly protocols, such as washing our hands thoroughly and wearing masks. People of certain age groups, such as children and the elderly, should pay extra attention, as should people with comorbid conditions.