New sublineages of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, called FLiRTand specifically the KP.2 and KP.1.1 variants, have generated concern in the scientific community of USA due to its high transmissibility.
Experts such as Dr. Sushila Kataria, Senior Director of Internal Medicine at Medanta, have warned about the potential risk that these strains representas they present mutations that make them more contagious than previous Ómicron variants.
FLiRT, acronym for “Further Learning of Immune Response to SARS-CoV-2 Variants”groups together a series of sublineages of Omicron which are characterized by mutations in the virus’s spike protein, which it uses to enter cells.
KP.2 and KP.1.1, the most prevalent FLiRT variants in the United Stateshave shown a greater ability to evade the immune response generated by vaccines and previous infections, which makes them more likely to spread.
Similar symptoms, but greater caution
While the symptoms of FLiRT do not differ significantly from those of other COVID-19 variants, including:
Sore throat
Cough
Fatigue
Congestion
runny nose
Headache
Muscle pains
Fever or chills
Loss of sense of taste or smell
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
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