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In a concerning development, health experts have identified a new COVID-19 variant named ‘FLiRT’ that is rapidly spreading in the United States. This variant, characterized by its ability to evade the immune system, poses fresh challenges in the ongoing battle against the pandemic.
According to experts, FLiRT has emerged due to a trans substitution of amino acids between two spike proteins, rendering it capable of circumventing the body’s immune defenses. Dr. Rajeev Gupta, Director of Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital (R), Delhi, revealed that FLiRT, belonging to Omicron’s JN.1 lineage, is swiftly supplanting its predecessor, the Eris variant, not only in the US but also in the UK, New Zealand, and South Korea.
While FLiRT has been associated with a recent uptick in hospitalization rates in affected countries, the overall mortality rate has not shown a significant increase, as reported by the Infectious Disease Society of America. The moniker ‘FLiRT’ stems from the technical nomenclature of its mutations, indicating its distinct genetic composition.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has responded by reclassifying FLiRT as a variant of interest, urging intensified surveillance and monitoring efforts worldwide. Dr. Dhiren Gupta, a Pediatric Intensivist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, underscored the inevitability of new strains emerging and emphasized the need for ongoing vigilance.
Fortunately, FLiRT and other variants within the Omicron lineage predominantly affect the upper respiratory tract, unlike the more severe lung damage induced by the Delta strain. However, experts caution that continuous surveillance is imperative to detect any significant viral drift.
The emergence of FLiRT has raised questions about the factors driving its mutation. Experts suggest that the increased use of monoclonal antibodies could be a contributing factor, highlighting the importance of judicious therapeutic strategies in mitigating viral evolution.
Symptoms associated with FLiRT resemble those of other Omicron subvariants, including sore throat, cough, fatigue, nasal congestion, runny nose, headache, muscle aches, fever, and potential loss of taste and smell. Health authorities advise individuals to remain vigilant and seek medical attention promptly if experiencing any of these symptoms, especially in regions where FLiRT is prevalent.
As the global fight against COVID-19 enters a new phase with the emergence of FLiRT, concerted efforts in surveillance, vaccination, and therapeutic interventions are crucial to containing its spread and minimizing its impact on public health.
