New Covid-19 variant FLiRT reason to worry? Here is all you need to know

A new variant of Covid 19 has taken over US. The new variant FLiRT belongs to the Omicron's JN.1 lineage. With new mutations, the variants KP.2 and KP 1.1 are considered to be more infectious than previous Omicron variants. However, the main symptoms remain more or less the same. Until now the KP.2 variant has spread faster than the KP.1.1 variant.

The nickname 'FLiRT" is based on the technical names for their mutations, according to the Infectious Disease Society of America. Here is all you need to know about the latest Covid variant.

FLiRT variant takes over US, all you need to know

According to a report by Hindustan Times, FLiRT are the descendants of the JN. 1 variant that came in last December. They carry some fresh mutations that help them spread easily. It has emerged from the Omicron JN.1 lineage and are rapidly spreading across the U.S.

The most prominent FLiRT variant is KP.2 which is accounting for around 25% of new COVID-19 cases as of April 2024.

Some main symptoms of the new variant are sore throat, cough, fatigue, nasal congestion, runny nose, headache, muscle aches, fever, and potential loss of taste or smell. These symptoms are similar to the Omicron variant.

To be safe from the variant, make sure to continue using a mask, maintain social distancing and take influenza shots. Elderly and the immuno-compromised should be more careful.

While it has not spread in India yet, the potential spread of these variants is a significant concern given the country's high population density.

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