SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, continues to mutate, with the latest variants emerging in time for summer.
The newly identified group, named “FLiRT,” includes a variant called KP.2, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists as the predominant strain in the United States, and which ultimately accounted for 25% of newly sequenced cases. 2 weeks in April. Another strain, KP.1.1, is less widespread but plays a role in 7.5% of cases during that period.
While overall coronavirus infection rates in the United States are still relatively low, you may be wondering how concerned you should be about the emergence of these new variants.
Here's what you need to know about FLiRT stock, including whether we can expect a wave of coronavirus this summer.
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The FLiRT group variants are named after the technical names of their mutations: F456L and R346T. These are part of the omicron lineage of SARS-CoV-2, which was first detected in 2021.
The new variant is a descendant of JN.1, the main variant circulating in the United States this winter. This strain is currently the second most prevalent, accounting for 22% of cases.
In April, FLiRT stock quickly became dominant. In the last week of March, KP.2 accounted for only about 4% of coronavirus cases, but just a few weeks later, it accounted for about a quarter.
Shira Maddad, PhD, DHSc, MSc, senior director of the Systemwide Special Pathogens Program at NYC Health + Hospitals and a fellow at Harvard University's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, says that current data indicate that There is no indication that the body is infected,” he told Health. It is associated with aggravation of the disease. ”
But public health agencies are still studying the new variants, so it's too early to know for sure whether they cause more severe disease, she added. “As public health officials continue to collect and analyze data about these variants, recommendations and public health guidelines may be updated to reflect new insights,” she said.
According to the CDC, the most common COVID symptoms are:
Fever Chills Cough Fatigue Loss of taste or smell Body aches Headache Sore throat Congestion Nausea Diarrhea Shortness of breath
The coronavirus vaccine is supposed to protect you from the new virus. Still, preliminary evidence suggests it may not offer as much protection against the FLiRT variant as it did against JN.1 last winter. That's because, compared to JN.1, the new variant is more distantly related to XBB 1.5, the strain targeted by the latest coronavirus boosters.
The good news is that the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that future coronavirus vaccine formulations be based on JN.1, which is more closely related to the FLiRT variant.
So far, the new variant does not appear to be causing an increase in coronavirus cases in the U.S.
The amount of SARS-CoV-2 virus detected in U.S. sewage remains “minimal,” according to the CDC, and the number of cases did not increase in April. Additionally, the number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations and deaths have been declining since January 2024, when JN.1 arrived on the scene.
FLiRT variants are unlikely to lead to a significant increase in case rates, Dr. Mark Cameron, an associate professor in the Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, told Health. But he said it was possible.
“This virus has surprised us in countless ways,” he says. “If past is prologue, the FLiRT strain has plenty of time to create something new that could make waves before the next cold and flu season begins in earnest this fall. It's sexual.”
The CDC recommends staying up-to-date on coronavirus vaccines and boosters. If you're not sure if and when you need a booster, ask your doctor.
Other precautions include practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, and taking steps to improve air quality in your home, such as opening doors and using extractor fans. This includes taking the following steps:
