FLiRT COVID-19 Subvariant Dominant in Canada: Key Information
Introduction
The latest health news in Canada highlights the emergence and dominance of a new COVID-19 subvariant called "FLiRT," which is part of the JN.1 lineage, an Omicron subvariant. This variant has raised concerns due to its potential to evade immunity and cause new infections.
What is FLiRT?
FLiRT variants, including KP.2, KP.1, and KP.3, are named based on specific mutations: phenylalanine (F) replacing leucine (L) and arginine (R) replaced by threonine (T). The acronym "FLiRT" is used to denote these changes. KP.2 has quickly become the dominant subvariant in Canada, accounting for 26.6% of COVID-19 cases as of late April 2024.
Contagiousness and Immunity Evasion
Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist, noted that while FLiRT variants may evade immunity more effectively, the overall severity of infections remains lower. Most Canadians have some level of immunity due to previous infections or vaccinations, which helps mitigate the impact of the virus. However, the subvariant poses a higher risk to seniors and immunocompromised individuals.
Symptoms and Vaccine Effectiveness
The symptoms of FLiRT variants are similar to other Omicron variants, including sore throat, runny nose, cough, and fatigue. Current vaccines, targeting the XBB 1.5 subvariant, are expected to provide some protection against FLiRT variants. Health experts recommend booster shots for vulnerable populations, especially as another surge is anticipated in the fall and winter months.
Conclusion
As FLiRT variants continue to evolve, health authorities and researchers are closely monitoring their spread and impact. The general population is advised to stay updated on vaccination schedules and maintain preventive measures to minimize infection risks.
For more details, you can read the full report on Global News and Cision Canada.