'FLiRT' variants of COVID-19 on rise in US, all you need to know about virus

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As per reports, the 'FLiRT' variants are also known as the deadly lineages of the Omicron variant but are descendants of the JN.1 variant of COVID-19. JN.1 was the variant that caused a spike in cases at the start of the year.

According to the reports, the researchers are still working on the variant to understand the variant in detail and gather more information on the 'FLiRT' variant. (Image: Pixabay)

New Delhi: A new variant of coronavirus named —the 'FLiRT' is rising in the United States. As per reports, these variants are also known as the deadly lineages of the Omicron variant but are descendants of the JN.1 variant of COVID-19. JN.1, the variant that caused a spike in cases at the start of the year.

The letters in the 'FLiRT' variant are based on the technical names of their mutations, one includes the letters F and L, and another includes the letters R and T. Among this group of variants, there is one particular variant called KP.2. that is a matter of concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the KP.2 variant represents nearly 25 per cent of the newly detected in the last two weeks of April.

Why are FLiRT variants of COVID-19 concerning?

According to the reports, the researchers are still working on the variant to understand the variant in detail and gather more information on the 'FLiRT' variant. A report by Time magazine revealed that other variants in the FLiRT family such as KP.1.1 have not yet spread across the US but the team of researchers have been vigilantly monitoring the situation.

Should we worry?

According to two early studies, there are concerns regarding the ability of the FLiRT variants to bypass the immune system offered by the vaccines. One of these studies was conducted in Japan, which indicated that the KP.2 variant may be less infectious as compared to its predecessor, JN.1 but it could still pose major challenges due to its capability to evade the vaccine-offered immunity.

In the other study, researchers in China also showed similar findings focusing on the need for ongoing vaccine adjustments to keep pace with the evolving virus. According to the WHO's recommendations, future COVID-19 vaccine formulations should be based on the JN.1 lineage from which the FLiRT variant has evolved. This is to make sure that the vaccines remain effective against the virus.