FLiRT: New COVID-19 Variants Increase Concern In US
A series of COVID-19 variants within the Omicron JN.1 lineage, known as FLiRT, including the KP.2 and KP 1.1 variants, is rapidly spreading in the United States, exhibiting new mutations which increase their contagiousness.
- The symptoms are largely similar to those of other Omicron infections and hospitalisation rates remain low. KP.2 has reportedly become more prevalent than the JN.1 variant, and while KP.1.1 is present in the US, it is less widespread.
- The Infectious Disease Society of America detailed that “FLiRT” derives from the scientific names of the mutations.
- The ‘Omicron JN.1 lineage’ is a variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is an offshoot of the Omicron variant, also known as B.1.1.529.
- The lineage was identified by Chinese researchers, leading to its ‘JN.1’ label.
- This variant is characterized by a series of mutations that differ it from the main Omicron lineage.
- However, the severity, infectiousness, and potential resistance to vaccines of this variant are yet to be determined, necessitating continued surveillance and research.
