Covid FLiRT variant: symptoms of the new strain to watch out for and how to spot it amid the summer surge

Inflamed people with FLiRT and LB. 1 variants test positive in Covid PCR controls

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New variants of Covid have begun to spread across the United Kingdom. If you’ve recently been suffering from a persistent cough or sore throat that may not go away, you’ve possibly been infected with one of those new Covid strains called N FLiRT and LB. 1.

Many of us know a friend or family member who has been experiencing unpleasant bloody symptoms in recent weeks and news about the resurgence of Covid has begun to circulate.

“Increased travel and big occasions, such as festivals, result in crowded places where the virus can spread more easily, and there are no longer legal restrictions such as wearing masks or social distancing,” says Dr. Kelly. Mariyam Malik, NHS personal doctor in Pall. . Medical shopping mall.

Some fitness experts have also warned that FLiRT and LB. 1 could evade immunity, which is why other vaccinated people still get sick.

“The FLiRT variant has rapid changes to its spike protein that could allow it to spread more easily and provide immunity from further infections or vaccines,” Dr. Malik says. “Likewise, the LB. 1 variant has mutations that help it spread and will in all likelihood weaken the coverage we get from previous immunity, making those variants different from previous versions of the virus.

“New variants appear because the virus evolves naturally over time,” adds the family doctor. “When many other people are infected, the virus is more likely to mutate. In addition, our immune responses after past infections or vaccines can cause the virus to evolve.

What are the new FLiRT and LB. 1 Covid variants?

If you have recently been suffering from a persistent cough or sore throat that may not go away, you may have been infected with one of those new strains of Covid.

“The symptoms of the FLiRT and LB. 1 variants resemble those of previous strains of Covid-19,” says Dr. Malik. “The most common symptoms are fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, muscle pain or body aches, shortness of breath, headache and runny nose.

“People infected with the FLiRT and LB. 1 variants sometimes test positive in popular PCR tests,” adds Dr. Malik. “Rapid antigen tests, also known as lateral flow tests, can also detect these variants, their sensitivity would possibly vary.   »

How does the new Covid variant last?

The variant will last as long as the previous variants.

Doctors regularly recommend self-isolation and over-the-counter remedies if you have those symptoms.

“The most productive thing to do is to isolate, rest, and stay hydrated,” advises Dr. Malik. “Use over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, and monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical attention if they worsen. “.

How can I prevent my family members from contracting the new variants?

“To prevent the spread of Covid-19, it is necessary to stay up to date with vaccines and booster doses,” says Dr. Malik. “Washing your hands regularly helps prevent the spread of the virus.

“Regular check-ups and isolation if symptoms increase or test positive can also help the spread of the virus,” adds the GP.

When do I see my GP?

“For mild symptoms, rest and treatment at home are usually sufficient, and you usually don’t need to see your GP,” says Dr Malik. “However, it is imperative to seek medical attention if you have severe symptoms. such as shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, or persistent high fever.

“People with underlying health conditions go to their GP if they test positive or symptoms increase, as they could be at higher risk of serious illness. “

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