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. These variants have new mutations that make them more contagious than previous Omicron variants, but symptoms remain largely consistent. KP.2 has overtaken the JN.1 variant in the US, while KP.1.1 is less widespread. Experts note that FLiRT variants evade immunity from prior infection and vaccines to some extent, highlighting the need for updated vaccines.