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Amid the withdrawal of AstraZeneca’s Covishield and doctors demanding a review of the science behind Covid vaccines, two new variants of the Omicron lineage known collectively as FLiRT are spreading in the US. This has given rise to concerns of a new wave. This has made everyone worried and curious about the KP.2 and KP.11 variants, which have undergone new mutations and have become more infectious than the previous variants. They can escape immunity from vaccines and previous infections. The symptoms remain largely the same like fever, cough, fatigue, digestive problems etc. With declining immunity and social distancing no longer the norm, it is important to remain alert to the new Covid threat. (Also read: New Covid variant FLiRT spreads in the US; do we need to worry? From symptoms to precautions, all you need to know)
“In the COVID-19 scenario, COVID-19 variants within the Omicron ZN.1 lineage, called FLIRT variants, pose new challenges. Variants KP.2 and KP1.1 have new mutations that make them more likely than previous Omicron variants. Their symptoms, similar to earlier variants, include fever, cough and fatigue, however, their increased transmission rates demand stricter precautions, their ability to evade prior infection and immunity from vaccines. also show that FLiRt poses a risk to everyone, especially to the unvaccinated and immunocompromised, with subtle genetic differences, FLiRt differs from earlier variants, which required tailored management techniques “It is,” says Dr. Sushila Kataria, Senior Director, Internal Medicine, Medanta, Gurugram.
Important facts related to FLiRT variants that you must know
Dr Arunesh Kumar, Senior Consultant and Head – Respiratory Medicine, Paras Health, Gurugram, shares key facts about the FLiRT variant:
1. Can they survive immunity?
According to The Infectious Disease Society of America, this new COVID variant is a subvariant of the Omicron variant, which has been named FLiRT. They are called FLiRT because of their genetic mutation at positions 456 and 346. These variants are spreading rapidly across all states in the US and I believe they may be able to evade the immune system.
2. Who is more dominant?
FLiRT is composed of two important variants, namely KP.2 and KP.1.1, which are sub-variants of Pirola and JN.1 of the Omicron lineage. The former variant is spreading at a faster pace, while the latter is expected to contribute about 7.5% of new COVID-19 cases in the US.
3. What are the characteristics of this new variant?
Symptoms of FLiRT primarily affect the upper respiratory tract and include sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, fever, headache, and loss of taste and smell. Hospitalization rates for patients with these symptoms are no higher than usual. However, this variant is highly contagious, as it can spread easily from an infected person to a healthy person due to new mutations in the virus.
4. How is this new variant transmitted?
This type spreads to others by a person’s respiratory droplets, by touching infected surfaces such as kitchen countertops, furniture, faucets, elevator buttons, or by being close to a sick person. The emphasis now is on more comprehensive steps to slow the transmission of common respiratory viruses like COVID-19, RSV and influenza.
5. How dangerous can this new variant be?
This variant spreads easily by respiratory droplets, putting everyone at risk — but especially the unvaccinated and those with weakened immune systems. The FLiRT version differs from previous versions due to minor genetic changes. To prevent transmission, we must remain vigilant and ensure that there is better testing, targeted vaccines and continued adherence to preventive measures. People of specific age groups, such as the young and the elderly, those with co-morbid diseases should take extra care and follow Covid-friendly practices.
“However, this is a small surge, and there is no need to panic. We must remain vigilant and ensure more testing, targeted vaccination, and continued adherence to preventive measures to stop transmission is essential. Informed, Vigilant And by staying united, we must navigate this new variant with flexibility, prioritizing collective health and well-being, i.e., washing hands properly, people of certain age groups like children and the elderly. People with co-morbid conditions should pay extra attention to wearing masks,” says Dr Kataria.
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