Scientists are warning of a “summer wave” of COVID-19 cases after a new cluster of Omicron subvariants circulating in the United States was detected.
The new strains have been dubbed “FLiRT” because of the position of mutations in their spike proteins. So what’s new in those variants that we’re concerned about?
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“FLiRT was first known in teat water in the United States, but its exact origin is unknown,” Lawrence Young, a virologist and professor of molecular oncology at the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom, told Newsweek. “[Now] the FLiRT variant is spreading in the U. S. “We are looking for the U. S. and beyond. “
Young said one of those new FLiRT variants, called KP. 2, is responsible for 25% of new infections in the U. S. According to data from the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). U. S. ” This raises considerations that this variant may only lead to a wave of infection in the summer,” he said.
Early evidence suggests that KP. 2 is possibly more contagious than previous variants, but it’s too early to tell if it’s more dangerous.
“We want to continue to monitor the spread of this variant, which is complicated given that existing testing is very uneven,” Young said. “The spread of new variants of the virus and waning immunity are cause for specific fear for the most vulnerable: the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
“While the vaccines that have been obtained lately are not perfectly suited to these new variants, boosters deserve to offer some protection, just like past infections,” he continued. [But] it’s conceivable that those FLiRT variants will cause a small wave of infection over the next few months. “
So what are the symptoms of these new variants?
As far as we know, the symptoms correspond to those of existing circulating strains, as indexed by the CDC. They come with the following:
To protect against new FLiRT variants, Young said, “it’s recommended to take the usual precautions. “
“Get checked if you’re not feeling well, stay home if the result is positive, mingle in crowded, poorly ventilated spaces, wear a mask if you’re around people, like on public transportation,” she said.
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Pandora Dewan is a senior science reporter at Newsweek founded in London, UK. It focuses on reporting on science, health, and technology. Pandora joined Newsweek in 2022 and in the past worked as a content manager for climate education startup ClimateScience and as a freelancer for content creators such as Dr. Karan Rajan and Thoughty2. She has a degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Oxford. Languages: English.
You can tap Pandora by emailing p. dewan@newsweek. com or on Twitter @dewanpandora.
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