If you're concerned about the latest rumors, there's a new group of COVID-19 variants within the Omicron JN.1 line. These variants are known as FLiRT and are spreading rapidly in the United States.
Hindustani times reported that these variants, including KP.2 and KP 1.1, have new mutations that make them more contagious than previous Omicron variants.
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However, experts say the symptoms remain largely consistent with those of other Omicron infections. KP.2 has overtaken the JN.1 variant in the US, although reports indicate hospitalizations remain low. KP.1.1, another variant within the FLiRT group, has also been identified in the US but appears to be less widespread than KP.2, according to the report.
According to the Infectious Disease Society of America, the nickname “FLiRT” is derived from the technical names of their mutations.
“FLiRT is a very interesting nickname for a group of Covid variants identified in the US. The symptoms do not differ significantly from previously known Covid variants,” said Dr. Pavithra Venkatagopalan, a microbiologist, coronavirus expert and Covid Awareness Specialist, Rotary Club of Madras Next Gen. Hindustani times.
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Symptoms
A sore throat
Cough
Congestion or runny nose
Tiredness or tiredness
Headache
Muscle or body pain, runny nose
Fever or chills
Loss of taste or smell (less common with Omicron than with previous variants)
“The FLiRT variants, especially KP.2, appear to have increased transmissibility compared to previous Omicron subvariants. They also demonstrate the ability to evade immunity to previous infections and vaccines, although the extent to which this is still under investigation,” Dr Modi said.
Dr. Wali stressed the need for updated vaccines and suggested that future formulations should be in line with WHO guidelines and consider emerging variants such as KP 1.1, the report said.
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Published: May 5, 2024 1:37 PM IST