Are FLiRT Variants of COVID-19 on the Rise in the US?
As summer approaches, the FLiRT subset of COVID-19 variants is expanding in the United States. While the once dominant strain, JN.1, is declining, the number of other FLiRT variants is increasing. During the winter, JN.1 was the most prevalent strain in the US. However, now the most widely recognized strain is KP.2, along with KP.1.1, both descended from JN.1. The term “FLiRT” was coined to refer to these modifications.
Prevalence of FLiRT Variants:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), KP.2 caused nearly 28% of new infections during the two-week period ending May 11. Additionally, over seven percent of newly diagnosed cases were attributed to KP.1.1. Moreover, worldwide, KP.2 is also increasing and is now responsible for nearly 10% of illnesses globally, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). This represents an increase from about 6% of cases approximately one month ago. Maria Van Kerkhove from WHO states that KP.2 is being closely monitored.
Impact on Hospitalizations and Fatalities:
COVID-19-related hospitalizations have reached an all-time low since the outbreak began. The CDC reports that viral activity in wastewater is currently minimal across the nation, which can be measured to monitor symptomatic and asymptomatic cases. Despite KP.2 being the most prevalent variant in the US, it is not associated with an increase in COVID-19 infections or more severe disease compared to other variants, according to the CDC.
The Possibility of a Summer Pandemic:
Although COVID-19 is not currently seasonal, there is always a possibility of a summer pandemic. Anticipations are made more challenging by the diminishing availability of reliable COVID-19 data, as hospitals are no longer required to submit specific indicators to the federal government. However, this is not just an American concern. The WHO report acknowledges the global decline in testing and sequencing rates, making it increasingly challenging to estimate the severity impact of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Effectiveness of Immunization Against FLiRT Variants:
While COVID-19XBB.1.5, a strain no longer used in the US, is the subject of 19 vaccinations at this time, vaccines are still expected to enhance protection against circulating genotypes. Government advisers will likely incorporate FLiRT variants into their deliberations during the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine update meeting in June. The meeting was postponed to allow for the acquisition of surveillance data and other pertinent information. This will ensure the advisory group has up-to-date information to inform their recommendations.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, FLiRT variants of COVID-19 are gaining prominence in the United States as summer approaches. The most prevalent variant, KP.2, is increasing both domestically and globally. However, it is not associated with increased infections or more severe disease. The impact on hospitalizations and fatalities remains minimal. While immunization is still expected to provide protection against these variants, further research and surveillance are necessary to inform future recommendations.