12.07.2024 09:11
According to the World Health Organization, a new Covid variant group called FLiRT has become dominant worldwide. We have compiled what is known about these variants. Are Covid-19 cases increasing? What are the symptoms of FLiRT variants? Are vaccines effective against FLiRT variants?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a new Covid variant group called FLiRT has become dominant worldwide.
We have compiled what is known about these variants.
What are the new Covid variants?
FLiRT is an unofficial nickname created using the names of mutations in the genetic codes of the variants. It is a derivative of the JN.1 variant, which has mutated from the Omicron variant and has become dominant.
There are three key mutations in the spike proteins, which protect them from antibodies, according to Johns Hopkins University.
The UK Public Health Agency stated that "more data" is needed to understand how severe and contagious the new variants can be. However, they noted that there is no evidence that they are more dominant than other circulating variants in the UK.
Are Covid-19 cases increasing?
The latest report from the World Health Organization, which examines infections in May, shows that the number of cases has decreased compared to previous months.
However, these data are still obtained from a limited number of countries that report regularly. Covid-19 testing and reporting are no longer as widespread worldwide.
In some countries, the number of cases is increasing. The British Medical Journal says, "The number of people testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 increased in the UK in May and June. Covid-19 cases have increased in some regions of Europe," and adds:
"In the US, the number of people testing positive is increasing, with a 1.4% increase in positivity rate in the week of June 22."
Covid-19 rates can fluctuate throughout the year, but experts are constantly monitoring infection levels.
What are the symptoms of FLiRT variants?
The symptoms are the same as other Covid-19 types. The World Health Organization says that symptoms usually start "about 5-6 days after exposure to the virus and last for 1-14 days."
The most common symptoms are:
Less common symptoms:
WHO advises those showing the following symptoms to seek medical support:
Are vaccines effective against FLiRT variants?
Dr. Aaron Glatt, Chief of Infectious Diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital in New York, says that the vaccines on the market should be effective against new variants.
Health authorities have been asking vaccine manufacturers since 2022 to design new versions of Covid-19 vaccines to better target new variants.
The European Union and the US have also stated that vaccines should target the JN.1 variant.