FLiRT Variant Cases Rise in the US: In the US, FLiRT, with its subvariant KP.2, accounts for about 25% of the cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Should India be concerned?
91 cases of Covid-19 Omicron subvariant KP.2 have been reported from Maharashtra, surpassing the previously dominant JN.1 variant.
As reported by the Times of India, Dr Rajesh Karyakarte, Maharashtra’s genome sequencing coordinator, believes the slight spike in cases in March may be due to the spread of the KP.2 variant.
KP.2 and FLiRT variants are considered more infectious than earlier Omicron variants, according to Dr Rajesh Chawla, senior consultant, pulmonology and critical care at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.
Around 250 cases were detected in March, reflecting the rapid spread of the KP.2 variant across Maharashtra.
A number of other districts have also been identified with the KP.2 variant, in addition to Pune and Thane.
Amravati and Aurangabad reported seven cases each, while Solapur reported two.
The KP.2 variant has also been reported in Ahmednagar, Nashik, Latur, and Sangli. Mumbai has not been reported, illustrating the uneven distribution of this emerging strain.
Flirt Variant: What is it?
FLiRT is a group of mutants, including KP1.1 and KP.2, named for their mutations. FLiRT variants are direct descendants of JN.1.
A USA Today report said dean Megan L. Ranney of Yale’s School of Public Health said FLiRT has some concerning features, such as changes in the spike protein, which contribute to SARS-CoV-2 colonization.
With a high transmission rate, its symptoms are similar to those of earlier variants, including fever, cough, fatigue, and digestive issues.
Also Read: 3 cases of Omicron subvariant BF.7, driving China Covid surge, detected in India
FLiRT Variant Cases Rise in the US: Symptoms
It will continue to monitor community transmission and how vaccines perform against KP.2 strain, the CDC says.
Symptoms of FLiRT are similar to those of JN.1, such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, headache, muscle aches, breathing difficulties, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, brain fog, and gastrointestinal symptoms including upset stomach, mild diarrhea, and vomiting.
Hospitalization rates for patients with these symptoms are not higher than usual two to fourteen days after exposure.
Researchers are still investigating the extent to which repeat infections contribute to long Covid among other aspects for individuals who have previously contracted Covid.
Precautions
Researchers have found that adults aged 60 and older are more likely to experience severe Covid-19 infections, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or cancer.
Over 65-year-olds who have already received one dose of the updated vaccine are advised to get another shot at least four months later.
Masks should be worn when crowded, hands should be washed frequently, physical distance should be maintained, people should stay away from large gatherings and poorly ventilated areas, disinfect surfaces regularly, stay home when sick, and be aware of local guidelines as preventative measures.
Covid-19 testing results may no longer be reported to the CDC for five days if persons test positive in March 2024.
Also Read: FLiRT Variant: A New Concern in the Fight Against Covid-19? Here’s What You Need to Know
