FLiRT possesses the characteristic of being able to evade immunity acquired from vaccines and previous infections. Its symptoms closely resemble those of earlier variants, encompassing fever and cough.
What is the FliRT variant of the Covid-19 virus?
The FLiRT variant, also known as KP.2, is a subvariant of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. It is characterized by a group of mutations in the spike protein of the virus, which is the part of the virus that attaches to human cells. These mutations allow the virus to evade immunity from both vaccines and previous infections.
FLiRT was first detected in late 2023 and has since been identified in a number of countries, including the United States, India, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. It is currently considered to be a “Variant Under Monitoring” by the World Health Organization (WHO), which means that it is being closely watched for signs of increased transmissibility or severity.
Symptoms of FLiRT:
The symptoms of FLiRT are similar to those of other COVID-19 variants, and can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of taste or smell
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea
Is FLiRT more dangerous?
Experts are still learning about the FLiRT variant, but so far there is no evidence that it causes more severe disease than other variants. However, its ability to evade immunity means that it may be more transmissible, especially among people who have not been vaccinated or who have not had a recent booster shot.
How to protect yourself from FLiRT:
The best way to protect yourself from FLiRT and other COVID-19 variants is to:
- Get vaccinated and boosted according to the latest recommendations.
- Wear a well-fitting mask indoors, especially in crowded places.
- Maintain social distance from others.
- Practice good hand hygiene.
- Stay home if you are sick.
New Cases in India:
According to a report from TOI, the government of Maharashtra has detected 91 instances of the new Covid-19 Omicron subvariant KP.2. This variant has surpassed the previously dominant JN.1 variant and is now the primary source of infections in several countries. Pune has recorded the highest number of KP.2 cases at 51, followed closely by Thane with 20 cases.
In January, Maharashtra first identified instances of the KP.2 variant. By March and April, it had emerged as the predominant strain in the region. Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte, the state’s genome sequencing coordinator, noted that despite an uptick in cases, there hasn’t been a corresponding surge in hospitalizations or severe illness. The slight rise in cases, averaging about 250 detections in March, likely stems from the transmission of the KP.2 variant, which originated from JN.1, the prevailing Covid strain at the close of 2023.
In addition to Pune and Thane, seven cases of the KP.2 variant were reported in Amravati and Aurangabad. Solapur recorded two cases, while Ahmednagar, Nashik, Latur, and Sangli each reported one case. Notably, there were no reported cases from Mumbai.
The newly discovered cluster of variants, collectively referred to as “FLiRT,” is mainly composed of the KP.1.1 and KP.2 strains. These strains are named based on the particular mutations they carry, with one strain characterized by mutations labeled “F” and “L,” and the other strain exhibiting mutations represented by “R” and “T.” This subvariant was first identified globally in January and currently holds the dominant position among strains in the US.
Characteristics of KP.2 variant:
A recent study by Japanese researchers revealed that the KP.2 (JN.1.11.1.2) variant, which evolved from JN.1, exhibits three distinct substitutions in the S protein: S:R346T, S:F456L, and another substitution in a non-S protein. These genetic changes have resulted in a notable alteration in the reproductive rate of KP.2 in comparison to its predecessor, JN.1.
The results indicate that in the USA, United Kingdom, and Canada, the reproduction number of KP.2 is 1.22 times, 1.32 times, and 1.26 times higher than that of JN.1, respectively. This implies that KP.2 exhibits a greater transmission rate than JN.1 in these nations. Interestingly, the study also found that despite its higher reproduction number, KP.2 demonstrates significantly lower infectivity compared to JN.1, with a notable 10.5-fold difference.
Characteristics of KP.1.1. Variant:
The KP.2 variant of COVID-19 is spreading at a faster rate compared to the KP.1.1 variant, both of which are FLiRT variants. According to the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), KP.2 is responsible for 28% of COVID cases in the United States, while KP.1.1 cases only make up 7.1% of all cases.
Presently, the variants JN.1, JN.1.7, JN.1.16, and JN.1.13.1 are undergoing extensive spread throughout the United States.
FAQs:
What is the FLiRT variant of COVID-19, and what are its subvariants?
The FLiRT variant of COVID-19 encompasses several subvariants, primarily including KP.1.1 and KP.2. These subvariants are characterized by specific mutations in their genetic makeup.
How does the KP.2 variant differ from its precursor, JN.1?
The KP.2 variant, descended from JN.1, exhibits distinctive genetic substitutions, notably in the S protein. This leads to a significant increase in its reproduction rate compared to JN.1.
What is the transmission rate of the KP.2 variant compared to JN.1 in various countries?
Recent studies indicate that the reproduction number of KP.2 is notably higher than that of JN.1 in countries such as the USA, United Kingdom, and Canada, suggesting a faster transmission rate.
Despite a higher reproduction number, why does KP.2 show lower infectivity compared to JN.1?
Interestingly, despite its higher reproduction number, KP.2 demonstrates significantly lower infectivity compared to JN.1, with a notable 10.5-fold difference. This suggests that other factors may influence its spread beyond just its reproduction rate.
How prevalent are KP.2 and KP.1.1 variants in the United States?
Recent data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that KP.2 is responsible for a larger proportion of COVID cases in the United States compared to KP.1.1. KP.2 accounts for 28% of cases, while KP.1.1 cases only make up 7.1% of all cases.
Which variants are currently spreading extensively across the United States?
Presently, variants such as JN.1, JN.1.7, JN.1.16, and JN.1.13.1 are undergoing extensive spread throughout the United States, according to recent reports and data.
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