New COVID Variant Called “FLiRT” Now Most Prevalent In US

What Are the FLiRT Variants?

• The FLiRT variants are distant relatives of the Omicron variant (JN.1) and have spun out from it.
• They include two specific variants: KP.2 and KP.1.1.
• These variants were initially detected in wastewater samples from across the United States¹.
• The nickname “FLiRT” is based on the technical names for their mutations, with one including the letters “F” and “L,” and another including the letters “R” and “T”¹.

Prevalence and Impact:

• KP.2 is currently responsible for around 25% of new COVID-19 infections in the U.S., while KP.1.1 accounts for about 7.5%².
• KP.2 quickly overtook the JN.1 (omicron subvariant) that drove a surge in COVID cases during the past winter, becoming the dominant strain in the U.S.
• Scientists are concerned about a potential summer wave due to these variants¹.

Why the Name “FLiRT”?

• The name is derived from the technical mutations associated with these variants.
• Just like other dominant COVID-19 strains (such as JN.1, HV.1, EG.5, and XBB.1.16), the FLiRT variants are part of the omicron family¹.

Potential Implications:

• Scientists believe that KP.2 and KP.1.1 may be better at evading the immune system due to their spike protein mutations.
• Waning immunity and poor uptake of the latest COVID-19 vaccine have created a more susceptible population, raising concerns about another surge¹.
• New Variants Mean “New Vaccines”, by now we are all aware, there are alternative methods to COVID treatment which does not involve intravenous experimental shots 3 to 4 times a year. Take your health back into your hands and find out more.