A new group of COVID-19 variants, known as FLiRT (KP.2 and KP 1.1) and belonging to the Omicron JN.1 lineage, are spreading quickly in the United States, according to a report. These variants have new mutations that make them more contagious than previous Omicron variants, but experts say the symptoms remain largely consistent with other Omicron infections.
KP.2 has overtaken the JN.1 variant in the US, though reports indicate that hospitalizations remain low. KP.1.1, another variant in the FLiRT group, has also been identified in the US but appears less widespread than KP.2, according to the report.
The Infectious Disease Society of America explains that the nickname “FLiRT” derives from the technical names of their mutations.
“FLiRT is a very interesting nickname for a group of Covid variants identified in the US,” said Dr. Pavithra Venkatagopalan, a microbiologist, coronavirus expert, and Covid Awareness Specialist at the Rotary Club of Madras Next Gen. “Its symptoms are not significantly different from the previously known Covid variants.”
Experts note that the FLiRT variants, especially KP.2, appear to have increased transmissibility compared to previous Omicron sub-variants. They also show the ability to evade immunity from prior infection and vaccines, though the extent is still under study.
Dr. Wali emphasized the need for updated vaccines, suggesting that future formulations should align with WHO guidelines and consider emerging variants such as KP 1.1.
