Boston, Massachusetts – With a rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations in the United Kingdom, health officials in the U.S. are closely monitoring the emergence of the so-called “FLiRT” COVID-19 subvariants. Dr. John Brownstein, an epidemiologist at Boston Children’s Hospital, emphasized the need for increased vigilance as cases surge, attributing the spike to heightened travel and social gatherings common during the summer months.
The FLiRT variant, which includes subtypes KP.2 and JN.1, belongs to the Omicron subvariant family. Of late December 2023, JN.1 has become the dominant strain of COVID-19. Compared to earlier strains like Delta, FLiRT subvariants generally lead to milder illness.
Symptoms of the FLiRT variants typically include a sore throat, congestion, fatigue, and other mild symptoms akin to the common cold. In more severe cases, individuals may experience fever and associated symptoms. Health experts suggest that anyone experiencing symptoms should promptly get tested to prevent the spread of the virus.
As expected, there has been a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases following record-low weekly hospitalizations in May, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. While this increase aligns with seasonal trends, continuous monitoring of new variants is crucial to ensure an effective public health response.
PCR or rapid antigen tests are recommended as the most reliable way to distinguish between COVID-19 and other illnesses. It is not possible to differentiate between a cold, allergies, or COVID based solely on symptoms, underscoring the importance of testing. To combat the dominant COVID variant, current vaccines, including the updated booster targeting the XBB.1.5 subvariant, are proven effective in preventing severe illness and hospitalization.
New vaccines tailored to combat FLiRT variants are expected to be available in the fall and will be crucial in maintaining protection against current variants. Staying up to date with vaccinations is key, according to Dr. Brownstein.