New Covid variant FLiRT spreads in US; do we need to worry? Symptoms to precaution, all you need to know

“During final two weeks, a small surge has been seen in United States and there are fears that in summer time there, the surge would improve. KP.2 and KP 1.1 make for FLiRT which were recognized as the brand new variants. As per researcher Dr Eric, this new lineage will most likely evade the vaccine and bypass the immunity,” says Dr M Wali, Senior Consultant, Department of Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

What’s new about FLiRT and what are its symptoms?

“FLiRT is a really attention-grabbing nickname for a gaggle of Covid variant which were recognized within the US. These are descendants of the JN. 1 variant that got here in final December. They carry some contemporary mutations that appear to be permitting it to unfold simply. Its signs are usually not considerably totally different from the beforehand recognized Covid variants. Flu like signs, physique ache, fever and in some instances digestive points. As such based mostly on these signs, it could be arduous to find out whether or not you’ve gotten contracted this variant. A particular genomic style have to be carried out for this objective, says Dr. Pavithra Venkatagopalan, a microbiologist, coronavirus professional, and Covid Awareness Specialist, 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 U.S. The most prominent FLiRT variant is KP.2, which has become the dominant strain in the U.S and accounting for around 25% of new COVID-19 cases as of April 2024,” says Dr Nikhil Modi, Senior Consultant on the Department of Respiratory, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital.

“The FLiRT variants, especially KP.2, appear to have increased transmissibility compared to previous Omicron sub variants. They also show ability to evade immunity from prior infection and vaccines, though the extent is still under study. The symptoms associated with FLiRT infection mirror those of other Omicron subvariants, including sore throat, cough, fatigue, nasal congestion, runny nose, headache, muscle aches, fever, and potential loss of taste or smell,” provides Dr Modi.

Do we have to panic about FLiRT?

Dr Wali says that contemplating individuals in India weren’t uncovered to mRNA vaccines and have gained immunity broadly by infections, there may be much less motive to panic a couple of contemporary wave.

“mRNA vaccines were given routinely in US and these were associated with impairing the immune function. There were large group of people who did not take the vaccine and therefore they now need to be alert for new variants. In India, that’s not the problem. Because the immunity that we acquired was through infections and a large number of people were infected. Our vaccination programme was also huge,” he provides.

“While 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,” says Dr Modi.

“New variants will keep coming and we have to keep alert and follow universal precautions like use of mask, keeping social distancing, not coughing inappropriately and also have influenza vaccination or flu shot. People above 45 years old and children also can be given flu shots. We have to prepare ourselves with influenza like illnesses and Covid,” says Dr Wali.

Stressing on updating vaccines, Dr Wali says future vaccination formulation ought to be as per WHO and ought to be thought of protecting in view rising variants like KP 1.1 and so forth.