A novel COVID-19 mutation, FLiRT (KP.2), is sprouting up across the United States and may potentially be behind the summer rise in cases. This new version is gaining speed and becoming a dominant strain after the previous variant, JN.1, in the country.
The Rise of the FLiRT Strain
It is believed that last month, the percentage of cases reported in the U.S. as being part of the KP.2 variant was around 25%. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has taken a recent interest in this novel variety, with another cousin variant, KP.1.1. In a statement that was received over email to USA Today, the CDC noted that the developed variant KP.2 is likely going to become the dominant strain in the United States, and in other nations although the overall transmission concern for SARS-CoV-2 looks to be minimal. That’s a good sign, this variation has not produced many new infections even being the most frequent one thus far.
Symptoms of FLiRT
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health identifies symptoms related with the FLiRT strain:
Fever/chills
Cough
Shortness of breath Fatigue
Muscle/body aches
Headache
Loss of taste/smell
Sore throat
A Summer Surge
As stated by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the FLiRT strain may bring about a potential rise of cases through the summer. Although the word “wave” has been altered to bring forward smaller numbers of hospitalizations and deaths as compared to the earlier years of the pandemic, the circumstance of an increase in instances is not ruled out yet.
FLiRT Variant Key Concerns Vaccination Coverage: New data suggests that, until September 2023, barely 22.6% of adults have coverage by the new 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine. Just less than a third of the coverage has been attained in persons 75 and older.
Vaccine Composition: The FLiRT variation is emerging at a time of year when public health officials are contemplating the composition of the COVID vaccine for fall. This will be a key consideration for the correct composition of the vaccine to make sure it is effective against new variations.
Protecting Against FLiRT
To guard against FLiRT, Public Health recommends keeping the most recent COVID-19 immunization and booster. While the following steps can be taken, consider:
Keeping your immunization up to date: Ensure that you are up to current on all your COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses. Speak to your doctor if you are unsure about your immunization status, or whether you should obtain a booster dose.
Booster doses: CDC is recommended that everyone age 16 years and older should obtain a second booster of the most up-to-date version of the COVID vaccination that you can receive at least four months after your most recent booster dose.
Conclusion
As the FLiRT variety continues to spread, remaining informed and adopting preventive steps are critical. Keep up with the newest immunization recommendations, recognize the symptoms, and consult healthcare specialists to keep safe. By taking these precautions, you can help lessen the potential impact of a summer rise in COVID-19 cases.