What you need to know about the new FLiRT COVID-19 variant

A new COVID-19 strain called FLiRT has surfaced, sparking worries and inquiries among people everywhere.

Technically known as KP.2, the FLiRT variety is a sub-variant of the Omicron lineage that has been found in multiple nations, including Singapore, South Korea, India, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

FLiRT, which is distinguished by its capacity to elude immunity from vaccinations and prior infections, has raised worries about a possible summer wave of illnesses. 

The FLiRT variety shares many of the same symptoms as previous COVID-19 strains, such as fever, coughing, exhaustion, and stomach problems. It is extremely contagious and has seen a sharp rise in cases, especially in the United States where it has taken over as the predominant strain.

Numerous COVID-19 variations have surfaced since the pandemic began; each has distinct traits that have affected the virus’s ability to propagate and affect public health.

Variants such as Omicron, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Beta have all contributed to the worldwide infection waves. After closely observing these variations, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health organizations designated some of them as Variants of Concern (VOCs) because of their enhanced transmissibility, potential severity, and influence on the effectiveness of vaccines. 

By the end of March 2024, JN.1, the parental strain of KP.2, was responsible for more than 50% of infections in the United States, while KP.2 only accounted for 4%.

Early in May 2024, KP.2 became the most common form, accounting for about 28% of infections in the United States, surpassing JN.1.

Between April 14 and April 27, 2024, approximately 25% of cases in the US were caused by KP.2.

India reported over 250 KP.2 sequences in May 2024, with March being the greatest number. 29% of the COVID-19 sequences from India that were uploaded to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) within the previous 60 days were KP.2 sequences. 

Compared to previous Omicron variations, KP.2 is thought to be more contagious, with a higher rate of transmission necessitating strict measures. As of right now, there are no signs that KP.2 might produce a more serious sickness than previous strains.

Even though the FLiRT variant’s immune evasion and transmissibility are concerning, the international health community is nonetheless keeping an eye on its spread and effects. The necessity of readiness, flexibility, and worldwide collaboration in the face of a virus that is continuously changing has been demonstrated by our collective experience with COVID-19 variations.

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