GUWAHATI: A novel strain of COVID-19, known as the FLiRT variant, is rapidly spreading across the United States, as per reports on May 7.
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This new lineage, part of the Omicron JN.1 family, reportedly includes mutations KP.2 and KP 1.1, which are believed to be more contagious than earlier Omicron strains. The Infectious Diseases Society Of America (IDSA) reports a notable rise in illnesses caused by KP.2. Additionally, KP 1.1, another FLiRT variant, is also circulating in the US.
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The term FLiRT is derived from the technical designations of the mutations found in these variants.
Currently, two FLiRT strains, KP.2 and KP 1.1, have been detected in the country, as per reports.
Symptoms associated with the FLiRT variant remain largely consistent with those of previous strains.
These include sore throat, cough, congestion, fatigue, headache, body aches, fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, and potentially loss of taste and smell.
"The variants KP.2 and KP 1.1 have new mutations that make them more contagious than previous Omicron variants. Their symptoms, akin to earlier variants, include fever, cough, and fatigue. However, their heightened transmission rate demands stringent precautions," says Sushila Kataria, Senior Director, Internal Medicine at Medanta, Gurugram while talking to the media.
The severity of these symptoms usually depends on underlying health conditions and current immunity status.
The current spread in the US is raising concern about a new wave of infection in summer. Unvaccinated individuals and those with compromised immunity are more vulnerable to these mutations."The variant spreads easily through respiratory droplets, posing risks to all, especially the unvaccinated and those with compromised immunity. With subtle genetic differences, FLiRT diverges from earlier variants, requiring tailored management techniques," Kataria adds.
The FLiRT variants have not been detected in India yet. Moreover, in the US, no significant rise in hospitalisation has been reported.
