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FLiRT, a group of new COVID-19 variants belonging to Omicron’s JN.1 lineage, is spreading rapidly in the US, raising concerns about a new wave of infections by the summer. With the new mutations, variants KP.2 and KP 1.1 are considered more infectious than the previous Omicron variants, but experts say the symptoms remain more or less the same. According to media reports, KP.2 has taken over the JN.1 variant in the US, although hospitalizations have been low. KP.1.1, another FLirt variant, has also been found in the US, but is less prevalent than KP.2. The nickname ‘FLiRT’ is based on the technical names of their mutations, according to the Infectious Disease Society of America. (Also read: Cardiologist says heart attack cases are increasing not because of Covid vaccine, but due to stress and other traditional factors)
“During the past two weeks, a small increase has been observed in the United States and there are fears that the increase will increase during the summer. KP.2 and KP 1.1 for FLiRT have been identified as new variants According to the researcher, Dr. M. Wali, Senior Consultant, Department of Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, this new lineage will probably survive the vaccine and bypass the immunity.
What’s new in FLiRT and what are its features?
“FLiRT is a very interesting nickname for a group of Covid variants identified in the US. These are descendants of the JN.1 variant that came out last December. They have some fresh mutations that are allowing it to spread more easily Its symptoms are not much different from the previously known Covid variants. Flu-like symptoms, body ache, fever and in some cases digestive problems, it will be difficult to determine if you are infected with this variant A. Microbiologist There is a need to test specific genomic flavors for this purpose, says Dr Pavithra Venkatagopalan, coronavirus expert and Covid awareness specialist at Rotary Club of Madras Next Gen.
“FLiRT refers to a group of new SARS-CoV-2 variants that have emerged from the Omicron JN.1 lineage and are rapidly spreading across the US. The most prominent FLiRT variant is KP.2, which has become the dominant strain in the US. and accounted for about 25% of new COVID-19 cases by April 2024, says Dr Nikhil Modi, senior consultant, department of respiratory, critical care and sleep medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital.
“FLiRT variants, particularly KP.2, appear to have increased transmissibility compared to previous Omicron subvariants. They also show the ability to evade prior infection and immunity from vaccines, although limitations still remain. “Symptoms associated with FLiRT infection mirror other Omicron subvariants, including sore throat, cough, fatigue, nasal congestion, runny nose, headache, muscle pain, and possible loss of taste or smell,” Dr. Modi says.
Do we need to be worried about FLiRT?
Dr Wali says that given that people in India have not been exposed to mRNA vaccines and have acquired widespread immunity through infection, there is no reason to panic about a fresh wave.
“MRNA vaccines were routinely given in the US and were associated with impaired immune function. There was a large group of people who did not take the vaccine and so they now need to be vigilant about the new variants in India.” , that’s not the problem.” “Because the immunity we achieved was through infection and a large number of people were infected, our vaccination program was also very large.”
Dr Modi says, “Although FLiRT has not yet been detected in India, the potential spread of these variants is a significant concern given the country’s high population density and varying levels of vaccination and immunity from previous waves. “
“New variants will continue to emerge and we have to remain vigilant and follow universal precautions like using masks, maintaining social distancing, not coughing inappropriately and also getting influenza vaccination or flu shot. People over 45 years of age And children can also be given flu shots. Dr. Wali says, we have to prepare ourselves for diseases like influenza and Covid.
Emphasizing on updating the vaccines, Dr. Wali says that the future vaccination format should be as per WHO and should be considered keeping in mind the emerging variants like KP 1.1.
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