New COVID variants — nicknamed ‘FLiRT’ — are here for the summer. What to know

Irene Wright
·3 min read

As schools wrap up and summer activities begin, new COVID-19 variants are taking center stage and causing cases to increase across the country.

After months of the omicron variant JN.1 dominating cases, a new variant, KP.2, now accounts for nearly a quarter of all new cases, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The new variant is joined by related variant KP.1.1, accounting for about 8% of cases, data shows.

Now, health experts predict the country will experience a summer surge again this year, mimicking previous years’ cycles of a large winter surge and a smaller, summer bump.

Here is what you need to know.

What is FLiRT?

“KP.2 is a member of a group of SARS-CoV-2 variants sometimes called ‘FLiRT’ variants (so named because of the technical names for their mutations: F for L at position 456, and R for T at position 346.),” according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America. “Other FLiRT variants, including KP.1.1, have also been identified as circulating in the U.S., but have not yet become as widespread as KP.2.”

The KP.2 variant is considered a “descendant” of JN.1, according to the Infectious Disease Society of America, meaning the variant was persistent long enough to once again mutate.

And it’s spreading quickly — cases from the variant went from about 4% of all cases in the last week of March to nearly 25% by the end of April, according to CDC data.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of KP.2 are similar to other omicron variants, including JN.1, according to the CDC.

Symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

  • Fever and chills

  • Cough

  • Shortness of breath or breathing difficulty

  • Fatigue

  • Muscle or body aches

  • Headache

  • New loss of taste or smell

  • Sore throat

  • Congestion or runny nose

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Diarrhea

You may experience symptoms between two to 14 days after being exposed to COVID-19, the CDC says, and current guidelines say to remain isolated until you go at least 24 hours without a fever without the aid of a fever reducer.

This is also the time for seasonal allergies that can cause similar symptoms like runny nose and sore throat, McClatchy News reported. But fever and muscle aches are typically not indicative of allergies and may point toward a COVID-19 case.

Am I still protected?

The most recent vaccines and booster shots are still effective in preventing severe COVID-19 cases from JN.1 and KP.2 infections, the ISDA says.

However, recent research has shown that JN.1 is particularly apt at evading detection by the immune system, meaning the vaccines may be slightly less effective against the FLiRT variants than previous variants of omicron, according to the ISDA.

Additional spring boosters were recommended for Americans over the age of 65, McClatchy News reported, and people should allow four months between booster shots, meaning anyone getting a spring booster should do so before June to be prepared for a new fall shot.

At this stage, the CDC recommends everyone over the age of 6 months should be fully vaccinated, including those who are pregnant.

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