What to Know About the New ‘FLiRT’ COVID Variants
The World Health Organization has reported that the “FLiRT” variants of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, have been the dominant strains circulating globally this year. But what exactly are these variants, and how do they affect us?
What Are ‘FLiRT’ Variants?
The term “FLiRT” is an acronym referring to specific locations of mutations on the virus’s spike protein. These mutations are shared among the variants, making them slightly different from previous versions of the virus. One particular variant, KP.2, has become the most common in the United States recently, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
How Are These Variants Different?
The FLiRT variants, including KP.2 and its “parent” lineage JN.1, have three key mutations on their spike protein. These mutations might help the virus evade antibodies, which means it could potentially bypass some of the immune defenses that people have developed from previous infections or vaccinations.
Are FLiRT Variants More Dangerous?
Dr. Aaron Glatt, an infectious diseases specialist at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital in New York, and spokesperson for the Infectious Diseases Society of America, notes that there hasn’t been an increase in severe illness or hospitalizations due to these variants. This might be because many people already have some level of immunity from previous infections or vaccinations.
Recent CDC data supports this, showing that COVID-related hospitalizations have decreased, and the number of patients testing positive in emergency rooms has remained stable over the past month. Year-over-year, COVID hospitalizations are less than half of what they were last year, and the prescription rate for the antiviral drug Paxlovid has dropped by about 60%.
Do Current Vaccines Work Against FLiRT Variants?
Dr. Glatt believes that current vaccines should still provide some protection against these new variants. Despite the mutations, the widespread immunity from past infections and vaccinations seems to be helping.
Health regulators have been proactive in addressing these evolving variants. They have asked vaccine manufacturers to design updated vaccines that target circulating variants more effectively. For example, European regulators recently recommended targeting the JN.1 variant for new vaccines. U.S. experts will meet soon to discuss this further.
Pfizer and Moderna, which use messenger RNA (mRNA) technology for their vaccines, are awaiting the results of this meeting before finalizing their next vaccine designs. Novavax, which produces a traditional protein-based vaccine, has already started working on a shot targeting the JN.1 variant, following European guidelines.
What’s Next?
As the FLiRT variants continue to circulate, it’s crucial to stay informed about their developments and impacts. While they have become the dominant strains, the good news is that current vaccines and existing immunity still offer protection. Health experts and vaccine makers are continuously adapting to ensure that we remain ahead in this ongoing battle against COVID-19.
In the meantime, maintaining good health practices and staying updated with vaccinations remain essential steps in protecting ourselves and our communities.
Q&A
Q: What are the ‘FLiRT’ variants?
A: The ‘FLiRT’ variants are new forms of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19. The name ‘FLiRT’ is an acronym that refers to specific locations of mutations on the virus’s spike protein. These mutations make these variants slightly different from previous versions of the virus.
Q: Why are they called ‘FLiRT’ variants?
A: ‘FLiRT’ is an acronym that denotes the specific locations of mutations on the virus’s spike protein that these variants share. This naming helps scientists and health professionals identify and differentiate these variants based on their genetic characteristics.
Also Read: The Known Unknowns About Ozempic
Q: Are the FLiRT variants more contagious or dangerous than previous variants?
A: According to Dr. Aaron Glatt, an infectious diseases specialist, there is no evidence that the FLiRT variants are causing an uptick in disease severity or hospitalizations. This could be due to the widespread immunity from prior infections and vaccinations.
Q: How do the FLiRT variants affect current COVID-19 vaccines?
A: Current vaccines should still provide some protection against the FLiRT variants, despite the mutations. The existing immunity from past vaccinations and infections plays a significant role in maintaining protection against these new variants.
Q: Are there any new vaccines being developed to target the FLiRT variants?
A: Yes, health regulators have asked vaccine makers to develop new versions of COVID-19 vaccines to better target circulating variants like FLiRT. Vaccine manufacturers like Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are working on updated vaccines to address these new strains.
Q: How prevalent are the FLiRT variants globally?
A: According to the World Health Organization, the FLiRT variants have been the dominant forms of the virus circulating globally this year. One variant, KP.2, has become the most common in the United States over the past month.
Q: Is there a significant impact on COVID-19 hospitalization rates due to FLiRT variants?
A: Recent data from the CDC indicates that COVID-related hospitalizations have trended downwards in recent weeks. The number of patients in emergency departments testing positive for COVID has remained stable, suggesting no significant impact from the FLiRT variants on hospitalization rates.
Q: How should people protect themselves against the FLiRT variants?
A: People should continue to follow good health practices, such as getting vaccinated, wearing masks in crowded places, maintaining good hand hygiene, and staying informed about the latest health guidelines. Vaccinations remain a key measure in protecting against COVID-19, including the FLiRT variants.
Also Read: Let’s Tackle Plastic Together: DMC’s New Plan for World Environment Day
Q: What are health experts saying about the future impact of the FLiRT variants?
A: Health experts believe that while the FLiRT variants present some challenges due to their mutations, the existing immunity in the population and ongoing vaccine updates should help manage their impact. The situation continues to be monitored, and further updates on vaccines and health guidelines are expected as more data becomes available.
