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What are FLiRT COVID variants? -

The FLiRT strains are subvariants of Omicron. FLiRT is the technical name for the spike protein mutation which includes the letters FLRT.

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Why are they unique? -

Variants of viruses, such as COVID-19, occur when there is a change or mutation to the virus's genes. 

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Is this the same COVID from last winter? -

All FLiRT variants belong to the JN.1 variant family that was dominant in the US during the 2023-2024 winter season.

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How did these variants get their name? -

The FLiRT variants got their name from specific mutations that have occurred within certain amino acids of the SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins.

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Amino acids -

An amino acid is like a molecular building block. Each one has a specific color, shape, size, and function. Twenty amino acids can be chained together to create proteins.

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Does changing an amino acid matter? -

The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein has 1,273 amino acids that are arranged in a precise sequence that determines its unique structure and genetic function. If you substitute even a single amino acid it can significantly impact the virus's appearance and functionality.

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Mutation code -

Each FLiRT variant carries specific mutations in the gene code of the spike proteins. Namely, at position 456, phenylalanine (F) has been replaced with leucine (L). Additionally, at position 346, arginine (R) has been replaced with threonine (T).

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Avoiding the antibodies -

By changing, the SARS-CoV-2 virus improves its ability to avoid recognition by antibodies while also weakening its ability to bind to cells.

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Position 572 -

The mutation at position 572, which changes threonine to isoleucine in some FLiRT subvariants, is critical. This alteration compensates for other weaknesses by enabling the virus to bind more tightly to cells.

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Will SARS-CoV-2 virus evolve further? -

It's speculated by scientists that the SARS-CoV-2 virus will continue to evolve. We have to be careful and aware as new mutations will make the virus better at hiding from our immune systems.

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KP.3 -

KP.3 is often thrown in with other FLiRT COVID variants. However, it differs slightly because of an additional mutation. At position 493, the glutamine (Q) has been replaced by glutamic acid (E), giving this variant the name FLuQE.

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Where are the FLuQE subvariants? -

FLuQE subvariants have become dominant in the US.

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Statistics -

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US determined that as of the beginning of October 2024, over 57% of COVID-19 cases are related to KP.3.1.1 which is a descendant of the Omicron subvariant JN.1.

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XEC -

According to doctors, there is already a new variant known as XEC. It is a recombinant variant, or in other words, two different JN.1 subvariants combined.

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FLiRT symptoms -

FLiRT variants like KP.2 and FLuQE are all so similar that the symptoms are also alike. For example, a sore throat and body aches are two tell-tale signs.

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More symptoms -

Other symptoms of the FLiRT variants include a cough, runny nose, congestion, fever, chills, or shortness of breath.

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Medicine -

If you experience COVID-19 symptoms is important to first consult a medical professional. They may advise you to take medicine to help shorten the duration of symptoms or provide other advice.

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Early symptoms -

The severity of COVID-19 symptoms will vary from person to person. It can depend on your experiences with previous COVID-19 infections, whether you've been recently vaccinated, and your immune system overall.

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Immunocompromised -

Immunocompromised people are especially susceptible to the most recent FLiRT and FLuQE variants. If you or a loved one are immunocompromised, take extra precautions. 

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Coinfections -

Coinfections can happen and thus COVID-19 will present differently in various patients. There has been a lot of rhinovirus, whooping cough, and walking pneumonia lately.

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Does the COVID-19 vaccine protect against these new variants? -

The current vaccines are targeting the KP.2 variant which is in the same family as the FLiRT variant. It's expected that the vaccine will have some efficacy but it's to be determined exactly how much in the coming months.

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US public health authorities -

Every year the US public health authorities revisit the data they have regarding the effectiveness of new COVID-19 vaccines in order to keep up with how the SARS-CoV-2 virus develops and evolves.

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Vaccines -

Each year we expect a new flu vaccine to tackle flu variants. The same is true for vaccines targeting COVID-19 variants.

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Older adults -

Older adults or those who are immunocompromised should definitely consider getting vaccinated. Even a small amount of protection can have a positive impact.

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FAQ: Do people who recently had COVID have protection against infections from FLiRT variants? -

If you had a JN.1 infection then you are likely okay and protected from FLiRT variants. However, if you had an infection before JN.1 then you're more vulnerable.

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FAQ: What is the transmission timeline for FLiRT variants? -

JN.1, previous omicron variants, and the FLiRT variants all have the same period of infectiousness. It can take 5 or more days to develop symptoms and you are contagious two days before the symptoms start.

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FAQ: Are antivirals like Paxlovid effective against FLiRT variants? -

Paxlovid is still recommended for high-risk individuals, as it is effective against the JN.1 variant and is expected to work against the FLiRT variants as well. Other treatments, such as Molnupiravir and Remdesivir, are also expected to remain effective.

Sources: (Johns Hopkins) (Clevland Clinic) (Yale Medicine)

See also: US cities with the biggest improvement in mental health since the pandemic

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