New variant FLiRT in India: Infectious Disease expert shares effects and precautions

Every year a new variant of COVID-19 comes knocking at our doorstep. As per reports various cases of a new sub variant of Omicron were reported in the US few weeks ago.

Now few cases have been reported in Maharashtra, India. FLiRT. KP.1.1, and KP.2 strains are part of the new variant known as FLiRT.

How dangerous is this new COVID-19 variant FLiRT?

Speaking with Editorji, Dr. Venkat Ramesh, Infectious disease physician, Apollo Hyderabad, said that it’s too early to say how deadly or lethal the variant is. It is still not clear whether this variant will spread or die down like the other variants which occurred earlier. However, it is important to take some preventions.

What are the precautions you must take to stay safe from FLiRT?

He added that it’s better to wear masks when you step outside, maintain physical distance, and maintain hygiene which include hand washing and cleanliness whenever necessary.

According to Dr. Ramesh it is possible that India may not be affected much by this variant but we need to remain vigilant.

Will the vaccines already taken work on this new COVID variant?

Dr. Venkat Ramesh said that the existing vaccines will not be effective against this variant as they haven’t been updated. Most significantly the vaccine programme has really come to a stall which is understandable because we haven’t been seeing many COVID infections.

Dr. Ramesh said, "There is no need to panic or be anxious yet as it’s possible that this new variant will die down soon just like the other earlier variants."

Common symptoms of the new variant FLiRT

Some of the common symptoms as seen is some cases are sore throat, runny nose, congestion, fatigue, fever, headache, muscle pain and in some cases loss of taste or smell.

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