2 COVID variants called ‘FLiRT’ are making the rounds: Here are the symptoms
The Daily Guardian-
New COVID-19 Variants FLiRT Detected in U.S. Through Wastewater Surveillance
In a concerning development, new COVID-19 variants named FLiRT have been identified in the United States through wastewater surveillance. These variants, known as KP.2 and KP1.1, have now become the dominant strains in the nation, with one variant alone responsible for a quarter of the current cases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning stating that these FLiRT variants are believed to be highly transmissible and may only provide partial protection from vaccines and prior immunity. Viruses constantly change through mutation, making it increasingly difficult to stop their spread.
What sets the FLiRT variant apart are its concerning features, including the ability to cause changes in the spike protein, which aids in the colonization of the virus in the body. Symptoms of the FLiRT variants are similar to the JN.1 strain and include a sore throat, cough, fatigue, congestion, and more.
As of now, only 22.6% of adults have received the updated 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine, with higher rates among older adults aged 75 and above. It is crucial for individuals to stay informed about the latest developments and to follow public health guidelines to protect themselves and others from these new variants.
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