The new category of coronavirus submutants, nicknamed FLiRT, spread rapidly across the United States, with one strain, KP.2, becoming the dominant strain of the coronavirus in America as of May 11, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The new mutant is characterized by mutations in spike proteins, which are protrusions on the surface of the virus that allow it to enter our cells.
These proteins are also used as targets for our immune system and vaccines.
What do these mutations mean for our immunity against new strains?
“The FLiRT subvariants are direct descendants of JN.1, the previous subvariant that has dominated global infections since late last year,” Adrian Esterman, an epidemiologist and professor of biostatistics at the University of South Australia, told Newsweek.
According to Esterman, FLiRT subvariants are more contagious than JN.1 due to a small number of mutations in the spike protein that better help the virus escape our immune system.
However, current vaccines will still provide a certain level of immunity against these variants.
Esterman explained: “There will be a new vaccine available around September, based on JN.1 or one of the subvariants of FLiRT, which will provide much better protection.”
Lawrence Young, professor of virology and molecular oncology at the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom, also said that “although the currently available vaccines may not be ‘perfectly identical’, they are still likely to provide some level of protection.”
Should we worry about FLiRT?
Esterman emphasized that “the current understanding of the severity of the subvariants may change over some time, however it appears that we will see a pattern similar to what happened when JN.1 hit.”
– The epidemiologist expects an increase in Covid-19 infections and hospitalizations due to FLiRT, but it will not approach the high level it was at earlier in 2023.
Most adults infected with the new strains experience flu-like symptoms and overcome them within two days, according to Esterman, who added: “Perhaps the biggest concern is the possibility of continuing to become infected with Covid for a long time, especially after repeated infection.”
Esterman advised the elderly or those with chronic health problems to make sure they are up to date on booster shots against Covid-19 and to start wearing a face mask while on public transportation, shopping and gatherings.
#Warning #summer #Corona #wave. #vaccines #withstand #FLiRT