London, UK – The emergence of the FLiRT variants of COVID-19 has raised concerns as surveillance data from both the US and UK show a 21 percent increase in UK COVID cases in just a week. Named after specific mutations in the spike protein, the FLiRT variants are offshoots of the JN.1 variant, which became dominant at the beginning of the year.
These new variants, including KP.2, are believed to be more resistant to prior immunity from vaccines and previous infections. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US shows that KP.2 accounted for 28.2 percent of COVID-19 infections as of May 11, surpassing the previously dominant JN.1 variant.
In the UK, specific details on which variants are prevalent are not available, but a 21.2 percent increase in COVID cases has been reported, pointing to the possible influence of JN.1 subvariants like KP.2. The spread of FLiRT variants has been detected not only in the UK and US but also in countries like Australia and India.
Despite the rise of these new variants, experts like Andy Pekosz from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggest that an infection with JN.1 may still provide strong protection against the FLiRT variants. However, the effectiveness of the current vaccines against these new variants is still under study.
The CDC recommends regular booster vaccines for adults aged 65 and over to prevent serious illness and death from COVID-19. In the UK, certain groups are eligible for spring booster shots, and the availability of vaccines is being expanded to more pharmacies.
With the possibility of a summer wave of COVID-19 driven by the FLiRT variants, experts emphasize the importance of continued monitoring and vigilance. While a resurgence in cases is possible, it is unlikely to reach the levels seen in the early days of the pandemic.
Authorities stress the need for vigilance and caution, as the virus continues to pose a significant risk to vulnerable groups. Understanding the prevalence of new variants empowers individuals to make informed choices that help protect themselves and others from the spread of COVID-19.