FLIRT Covid Variant: What is unique about FLIRT is that it has the ability to bypass previous infection or vaccine-derived immunity. At present, experts are keeping a serious eye on it, but do not express any particular concern.
Corona
The worry of the world has increased once again when it seems that there is relief from the corona that has increased the headache of the world. A new strain of coronavirus KP.2 has been circulating in India since November 2023. It is nicknamed FLiRT. Interestingly, increasing cases of Covid in the US, UK and South Korea are being linked to this type of FLiRT
Maharashtra Identifies 91 Cases Of New Covid-19 Variant ‘FLiRT’: Here’s All You Need To Know#Maharashtra #Covid19 #FLiRT #ABPLive https://t.co/NkofuFp95t
— ABP LIVE (@abplive) May 15, 2024
What is the type of KP.2?
According to Indian Express, KP.2 is of the JN.1 variant. These are sub-types of omicron, which contain new genetic changes. It is named FLiRT based on the letters that represent the two immunogenic genetic changes. These genetic changes allow the virus to attack antibodies.
How is the situation in India?
Out of 250 KP.2 genome sequencing done by INSACOG, 128 sequences were in Maharashtra. The highest number of KP.2 sequences is said to have been detected in March. According to the report, global statistics show that India is recording the highest number of KP.2 sequences in the world. KP.2 accounted for 29 percent of the total data uploaded by India in GISAID in the last 60 days.
At present the JN.1 type has the most influence in India. Statistics show that there were 679 active cases of Covid in India on May 14.
KP.2 What serious diseases can occur?
FLiRT is unique in that it has the ability to bypass previous infection or vaccine-derived immunity. At present, experts are keeping a serious eye on it, but do not express any particular concern. Ashoka University Trivedi School of Biosciences Dean Dr. Anurag Agarwal told the newspaper that ‘there is no need to worry’. He said, ‘Such genetic modification has been seen before.’
According to the report, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says there is no indication that KP.2 can cause more serious illness than other strains.
What are its symptoms?
Talking to the newspaper Dr. Indraprastha Apollo Hospital. Rajesh Chawla says that affected people experience symptoms like loss of taste and smell, cold, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion or runny nose, headache, muscle pain, fatigue.
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