Did you hear the latest from the CDC? They’ve been tracking the FLiRT variants, and it seems like they’re making quite a splash in wastewater samples. Between April 14 and April 27, FLiRT accounted for a whopping 25% of COVID cases in the US, according to the CDC. That’s one in four cases, folks!
These FLiRT variants are really shaking things up. They’re part of the Omicron family, with names like KP.2 and KP.1.1. They’re descendants of JN.1.11.1, a variant we thought we had a handle on until these newcomers arrived on the scene.
Now, what do we know about FLiRT? Well, not a ton just yet. But researchers have noticed some changes in KP.2’s spike protein compared to its predecessor, JN.1. And why is that important? Because the spike protein is how the virus gets into your cells and makes you sick.
Okay, but what about symptoms? The CDC lists out a bunch: fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, and more. Keep in mind, though, symptoms can vary from person to person.
Worried you might have the FLiRT variant? Unfortunately, a regular COVID test won’t tell you that. You’d need genomic sequencing to figure that out. Fancy stuff, I know.
So, how do we protect ourselves? Boosters are a good start, says Nebraska Med. And sticking to outdoor activities, avoiding crowded places, washing hands, wearing masks, and staying home when sick are all solid strategies. Plus, there’s a new treatment called Pemgarda for folks who are immunocompromised.
Stay safe out there, folks!
