Why is it in the News?

There’s a new group of COVID-19 variants within the Omicron JN.1 lineage “which have demonstrated increased transmissibility and immune resistance” recently detected in the United States.

What is the New Covid-19 Variant FLiRT?

• FLiRT variants are sub-lineages of the Omicron COVID-19 variant.
• Detected in the United States, this variant group has been named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) FLiRT variant KP.2 and is a spinoff of JN.1.11.1.
• According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), FLiRT has led to increased hospitalisation rates, although it has not significantly raised mortality rates.
  • Its primary impact is on the upper respiratory tract.
• The rapid emergence and diversification of the JN.1 variant and its descendant, KP.2, which shows significant alterations in spike (S) protein structure and increased resistance to existing vaccines, underscore the necessity for further research to understand the implications for public health and vaccine development.

Where does the name come from?

• The letters of FLiRT variation are derived from the technical names of the mutations:
  • F and L are included in one, and R and T which is included in another.

What are the emerging symptoms?

• Symptoms associated with FLiRT are similar to those of other Omicron subvariants, including sore throat, cough, fatigue, nasal congestion, runny nose, headache, muscle aches, fever, and possible loss of taste and smell

Transmissibility:

• This variant is highly transmissible and can impact immunity and overall health.
• This variant spreads via respiratory droplets of the person to others or touching infected surfaces such as faucets, furniture, elevator buttons, and kitchen countertops, or coming in close contact with the person who is sick with this variant

Is there a concern for India?

• Currently, there are no reported cases of FLiRT variants in India, and our immunity is acquired.
• Thus far, no new vaccine is recommended.