Know all about FLiRT, the new Covid variants reported in the US

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The two variants, KP.2 and KP.1.1, of Omicron lineage, come under FLiRT. Though it is said to be less infectious than JN.1, it does have the ability to evade immunity.

The two variants KP.2 and KP.1.1 known as FLiRT are of the Omicron lineage. (Photo: Getty Images)

New Delhi,UPDATED: May 6, 2024 18:52 IST

Two new strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, that causes Covid-19, have been spreading swiftly across states in the US. Experts naming it FLiRT have said that these variants could have the capability of evading the immune system.

According to the Infectious Disease Society of America, the new variants have been dubbed FLiRT because of the technical names of their mutations. They're called that because of the changes in their genetic code, specifically at positions 456 and 346.

ALL ABOUT FLiRT

FLiRT includes two major variants, KP.2 and KP.1.1, which are sub-variants of Pirola, JN.1 of the Omicron lineage. While KP.2 is spreading rapidly, KP.1.1 is currently projected to account for approximately 7.5% of the new Covid-19 illnesses in the US.

According to Dr Rajeev Gupta, Director of Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital, New Delhi, FLiRT is replacing the previous variant Eris in the US, the UK, New Zealand and South Korea. FliRT is replacing the previous variant Eris in the US, the UK, New Zealand and South Korea. (Photo: Getty Images)

"A recent increase in hospitalisation rates in these countries has been attributed to this variant. However, it has remained a relatively small wave. The overall mortality rate has not increased," Dr Gupta told news agency IANS.

Currently, there are no reported cases of FLiRT variants in India.

Dr M Wali, Senior Consultant, Department of Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said that the Omicron lineage has been modified and identified recently in those who have decreased immunity after booster shots, especially after mRNA vaccines.

The symptoms of FLiRT are almost the same as other variants which include sore throat, cough, congestion, fatigue, muscle or body ache, fever or chills, and loss of taste or smell.

The reason why symptoms are different is because "FliRT is a mix of KP.2 and JN.1 variants contain several mutations that are associated with the immune escape from vaccine mediated immune protection," said Dr Wali.

He added that preliminary research suggests that the relative effective reproduction number KP.2 may be 1.22 times higher than the JN.1.

"Apart from these technicalities, India need not worry because our immunity is acquired one, and so far no new vaccine is recommended," added Dr Wali.

Researchers are still learning about FLiRT variants and questions are being explored on whether the new strains will cause severe diseases.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the amount of SARS-CoV-2 virus in US wastewater remains "minimal" and the mortality rate has also declined since January.

A recent study by researchers from Japan, which was posted online before being peer-reviewed stated that KP.2 is less infectious than JN.1.

WILL VACCINES WORK AGAINST FLiRT?

Yes, vaccines will protect against all strains of the Covid-19 virus. However, FLiRT variants may be better at dodging the immune system.

In a statement published on April 26, the World Health Organisation (WHO), suggested that there should be an update to Covid-19 vaccine antigen composition "to enhance vaccine-induced immune responses" to the latest circulating JN.1 strain as it is set to evolve.

HOW TO STAY SAFE?

As the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to evolve, experts suggest adhering to the basic Covid-19 advisory and staying up-to-date on vaccines. Stay home when you're ill, consider masking when in public, and avoid crowded indoor areas, especially where Covid-19 is around.

Published By:

Daphne Clarance

Published On:

May 6, 2024