Press
A new wave of corona infections could start in Germany this spring. The reason for this is a number of assertive pathogens.
Frankfurt – Although the pandemic is already over, the corona virus is continually mutating and changing. Researchers now have a whole family of variants on their radar that are spreading extremely quickly. These are the so-called FLiRT variants. The name has little to do with pick-up lines, but rather comes from the letters “F”, “L”, “R”, “T”, which occur in the individual mutations of these variants, such as “F456L”.
“We’re all fed up”: FLiRT variants on the rise in Germany
After the Omicron descendant JN.1 dominated the global infection process in the past few months, the new FLiRT variants are now coming to the fore. The reason for this is that KP.2 – one of the descendants of the family – accounted for 25 percent, or a quarter, of the cases examined for variants in the last two weeks of April USA, made up. This is shown by a current evaluation by Data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Germany is also directly affected. Although loud dominates Weekly report from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) still has JN.1 with a share of 38 percent, but KP.2 is currently in second place with 19 percent. The American cardiologist and author Eric Topol is correspondingly alarmed. “After more than four years, we’re all fed up,” said the doctor on his Blog to. “But we need to keep an eye on the constantly evolving virus.”
Corona wave in Germany due to FLiRT variants? Doctor gives the all-clear
Topol is convinced that the FLiRT variants enjoy a growth advantage and that’s why could displace their predecessor. This is also confirmed by the authors of a provisionally published study Japanese study, for which the assessment by experts is still pending. They therefore assume that the KP.2 variant could become the predominant line worldwide because KP.2 has a higher reproductive capacity than the corona variant JN.1.
Despite the worrying data, Topol gives the all-clear. “I assume that we will experience a wave in the next few months, but not a significant new wave of infections as a result of the FLiRT variants,” explained the cardiologist. In his opinion, these will not pose a major challenge to the immune system. However, he emphasized at the same time that this “optimistic perspective” cannot necessarily be relied upon. “The time will tell.”
Topol recommends another vaccination for immunocompromised people and people over 65 years of age. The Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) also advises risk groups still need an annual booster vaccination. It is not yet known whether the FLiRT variants cause new symptoms. Omicron-typical symptoms are conceivable such as fever, chills, sore throat, runny nose and cough combined with difficulty breathing. (cln)
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