New Covid variant flirts: should we be worried?

Hindustan Times It was reported that these variants, including KP.2 and KP 1.1, have new mutations that make them more infectious than previous Omicron variants.

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However, experts say the symptoms are largely consistent with other Omicron infections. KP.2 has overtaken the JN.1 variant in the US, although reports indicate the number of hospitalizations is lower. According to the report, KP.1.1, another variant from the FLiRT family, has also been identified in the US, but appears to be less widespread than KP.2.

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. Its symptoms are not much different from previously known Covid variants,” said Dr Pavitra Venkatagopalan, microbiologist, coronavirus expert and Covid awareness expert at Rotary Club of Madras Next Gen. Hindustan Times,

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symptoms

sore throat

cough

nasal congestion or runny nose

fatigue or tiredness

Headache

muscle or body pain, runny nose

fever or chills

Loss of taste or smell (less common in Omicron than earlier variants)

“FLiRT variants, particularly KP.2, appear to have increased transmissibility compared to previous Omicron sub-variants. They also show the ability to evade prior infection and immunity from vaccines, although the extent of this is still under study,” Dr Modi said.

The report 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.

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Published: 05 May 2024, 01:37 PM IST