The new Covid-19 variant, known as ‘FLiRT’, has been causing concern among health experts due to its ability to evade the immune system and its association with an increase in hospitalization rates. This variant, which belongs to the Omicron JN.1 lineage, is rapidly replacing the previous variant, Eris, in countries such as the US, the UK, New Zealand, and South Korea. Health authorities and experts are closely monitoring the situation and urging for caution as the FLiRT variant continues to spread. The following article provides an overview of the FLiRT variant and the concerns surrounding its impact.
The FLiRT variant, comprising of the KP.2 and KP.1.1 mutations, has been linked to a surge in hospitalization cases in various countries, including the US, UK, South Korea, and New Zealand. According to the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA), these downstream variants of the Omicron JN.1 lineage have resulted in new cases and a small surge in hospitalizations. Health authorities are particularly concerned about the increased transmission and infectiousness associated with the FLiRT variant, as it poses challenges for the existing immunity and preventive measures.
In India, the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) has detected 238 cases of the KP.2 variant and 30 cases of the KP1.1 variant as of May 6. The rapid spread of these variants in different parts of the world has renewed fears of a potential fresh wave of COVID-19, prompting health organizations and experts to emphasize the importance of cautious monitoring and preventive measures.
Rajeev Gupta, Director of Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital (R), Delhi, highlighted the concerns regarding the FLiRT variant, noting its association with an increase in hospitalization rates. While the overall mortality rate has not seen a significant spike, the rise in hospitalization cases has underscored the need for heightened vigilance and strategic responses to mitigate the impact of the FLiRT variant.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the FLiRT variant as a severe form and recommended cautious monitoring to track its spread and assess its impact on public health. With the potential of heightened transmission and challenges in immune response, health authorities and researchers are intensifying efforts to understand the characteristics of the FLiRT variant and develop targeted interventions to combat its spread.
As the FLiRT variant continues to spread across different countries, global collaboration and concerted efforts are essential to address the evolving dynamics of COVID-19 and the emergence of new variants. Effective surveillance, robust healthcare systems, and accelerated vaccination campaigns are critical components of the collective response to mitigate the impact of the FLiRT variant and navigate the evolving landscape of the pandemic.
