A new set of COVID-19 variants, which together have a call to identify them, that have become known in Louisiana (particularly in the northern part of the state) appear to be evidence of a new “summer surge” of the virus that unleashed a global pandemic just a few years ago.
Health experts are warning others about the FLiRT variant (or variants) that originated from the JN. 1 variant that was circulating in Louisiana in December.
The JN. 1 variant is believed to have had unique symptoms and appeared among others who tested positive for the strain in Louisiana and across the country.
Sleep disturbances: 10. 8% of those diagnosed reported sleep disturbances.
Increased anxiety: 10. 5% of those diagnosed reported more anxiety.
READ MORE: Louisiana’s Latest COVID Variant Has Strange New Symptoms
But, as with most viruses, COVID-19 has continued to mutate, with more and more variations as spring gives way to summer.
The Shreveport Times spoke to a fitness expert to find out more.
Dr. Krista Queen, director of the Center for Viral Genomics and Emerging Viral Threat Surveillance at LSU Health Shreveport, a viral threat specialist, said, “FLiRT is an attractive call for this new variant and refers to some other mutations that are providing and in fact, it’s not just one variant, it’s an organization of variants. “
According to Dr. Queen and the CDC, there are some specific symptoms of FLiRT.
• Fever or chills • Cough • Sore throat • Stuffy or runny nose • Headache • Muscle aches • Shortness of breath • Fatigue • New loss of smell • “Brain fog” (feeling less awake and conscious) • Gastrointestinal symptoms (upset stomach, mild upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting)
Lately, however, opinions are divided on whether this can simply lead to a “summer surge”.
“FLiRT strains are subvariants of Omicron,” Yale Medicine wrote on its website. “One of them, KP. 2, accounted for 28. 2% of COVID infections in the United States in the third week of May, making it the dominant variant of the coronavirus in the country; another, KP. 1. 1, accounted for 7. 1% of cases. “
But the doctor also points out that this variant does not necessarily mean an increase.
“Some experts have warned that new variants may cause a surge in COVID cases in the summer,” he explains. “But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reports that COVID viral activity in wastewater (water containing waste from residences, commercial, and commercial processes) in the U. S. The U. S. economy has declined since January and has been “minimal” lately.
COVID-19 prevention involves several steps based on guidance from health governments such as the CDC and WHO. Above all, getting vaccinated and staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines is crucial, as they are effective in reducing the severity of illness and preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths.
Hand hygiene is another key measure; It is essential to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public places, touching your face, or coughing and sneezing. When soap and water are not available, it is recommended to use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
It’s also important to wear a mask in indoor public spaces, especially in spaces with high transmission rates or complicated physical distancing. The mask covers the nose and mouth and fits snugly on the sides of the face.
Maintaining physical distancing, preferably at least 6 feet away from others outside your home, helps slow the spread of the virus. It’s to avoid crowded places and giant gatherings where distancing is difficult. In addition, it is imperative to minimize close contact with others who are in poor health or have symptoms of COVID-19, and it is imperative to stay home if you are not feeling well or have been exposed to the virus.
Regular cleaning and disinfection of touching surfaces, such as door handles, soft switches, and smartphones, is necessary. It is recommended to use disinfectants that meet the EPA’s COVID-19 efficacy criteria. Improve indoor ventilation by opening windows and doors and using air purifiers and exhaust fans to increase airflow can also help reduce the concentration of viral residues indoors.
It is to monitor your physical condition for symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell. If you have symptoms or suspect you have been exposed to COVID-19, it is mandatory to get tested and stick to the public. Fitness guidelines.
Staying informed about the latest data from trusted resources like the CDC and WHO, and following local public fitness recommendations and guidelines, ensures you’re aware of the latest measures for yourself and others. If you consistently follow those preventive measures, you can particularly lessen the threat of contracting and spreading COVID-19.
Gallery Credit: TRACY WIRTZ
Louisiana has seen a new set of COVID-19 variants, which together have a call to identify them.
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A new set of COVID-19 variants, which together have a call to identify them, that have become known in Louisiana (particularly in the northern part of the state) appear to be evidence of a new “summer surge” of the virus that unleashed a global pandemic just a few years ago.
Health experts are warning others about the FLiRT variant (or variants) that originated from the JN. 1 variant that was circulating in Louisiana in December.
The JN. 1 variant reportedly had unique symptoms, giving the impression that among those who tested positive for the strain in Louisiana and across the country.
Sleep disturbances: 10. 8% of those diagnosed reported sleep disturbances.
Increased anxiety: 10. 5% of those diagnosed reported more anxiety.
READ MORE: Louisiana’s Latest COVID Variant Has Strange New Symptoms
But, as with most viruses, COVID-19 has continued to mutate, with more and more variations as spring gives way to summer.
The Shreveport Times spoke to a fitness expert to find out more.
Dr. Krista Queen, director of the Center for Viral Genomics and Emerging Viral Threat Surveillance at LSU Health Shreveport, a viral threat specialist, said, “FLiRT is an attractive call for this new variant and it refers to some other mutations that are providing and in fact, it’s not just a variant, it’s an organization of variants. “
Dr. Krista Queen, director of the Center for Viral Genomics and Emerging Viral Threat Surveillance at LSU Health Shreveport, a viral threat specialist, said, “FLiRT is an attractive call for this new variant and refers to some other mutations that are providing and in fact, it’s not just one variant, it’s an organization of variants. “
According to Dr. Queen and the CDC, there are some specific symptoms of FLiRT.
• Fever or chills • Cough • Sore throat • Congestion or runny nose • Headache • Muscle aches • Shortness of breath • Fatigue • New loss of smell • “Brain fog” (feeling less awake and conscious) • Gastrointestinal symptoms (upset stomach, mild upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting)
Lately, however, opinions are divided on whether this can simply lead to a “summer surge”.
“FLiRT strains are subvariants of Omicron,” Yale Medicine wrote on its website. “One of them, KP. 2, accounted for 28. 2% of COVID infections in the United States in the third week of May, making it the dominant variant of the coronavirus in the country; another, KP. 1. 1, accounted for 7. 1% of cases. “
But the doctor also points out that this variant does not necessarily mean an increase.
“Some experts have warned that new variants may simply cause a spike in COVID cases in the summer,” he explains. “But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reports that COVID viral activity in wastewater (water containing waste from residences, commercial, and commercial processes) in the U. S. The U. S. economy has declined since January and has been “minimal” lately.
COVID-19 prevention involves several steps based on guidance from health governments such as the CDC and WHO. Above all, getting vaccinated and staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines is crucial, as they are effective in reducing the severity of illness and preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths.
Hand hygiene is another key measure; It is essential to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public places, touching your face, or coughing and sneezing. When soap and water are not available, it is recommended to use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
It’s also important to wear a mask in indoor public spaces, especially in spaces with high transmission rates or complicated physical distancing. The mask covers the nose and mouth and fits snugly on the sides of the face.
Maintaining physical distancing, preferably at least 6 feet away from others outside your home, helps slow the spread of the virus. It’s to avoid crowded places and giant gatherings where distancing is difficult. In addition, it is imperative to minimize close contact with others who are in poor health or have symptoms of COVID-19, and it is imperative to stay home if you are not feeling well or have been exposed to the virus.
Regular cleaning and disinfection of touching surfaces, such as door handles, soft switches, and smartphones, is necessary. It is recommended to use disinfectants that meet the EPA’s COVID-19 efficacy criteria. Improve indoor ventilation by opening windows and doors and using air purifiers and exhaust fans to increase airflow can also help reduce the concentration of viral residues indoors.
It is to monitor your physical condition for symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell. If you have symptoms or suspect you have been exposed to COVID-19, it is mandatory to get tested and stick to the public. Fitness guidelines.
Staying informed about the latest data from trusted resources like the CDC and WHO, and following local public fitness recommendations and guidelines, ensures you’re aware of the latest measures for yourself and others. If you consistently follow those preventive measures, you can particularly lessen the threat of contracting and spreading COVID-19.