Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2that caused the global pandemic, continues to mutate, creating new variants. FLiRT variantwhich is a subvariant of Omicron, is the latest strain of the virus that is becoming dominant in many countries, including Poland. Although there is no mass testing at the moment, the increase in the number of cases and deaths indicates that the pandemic is accelerating again. It is worth keeping an eye on the symptoms and exercising caution.
A new wave of COVID-19. Symptoms of the FLiRT variant
FLiRT coronavirus variantconsisting of the subvariants KP.3, KP.3.1.1 and KP.2, is closely related to the previous variant Omikron BA.2.86. Although the symptoms are similar to those we know from previous waves, it is worth knowing the details in order to be able to respond appropriately.
In terms of symptoms, we don’t see anything new or different about these variants. We’re still seeing milder disease progression, but that’s probably not because the virus is milder, but because our immunity is much stronger now. After years of vaccinations and infections, most people are better able to fight off infections without as much concern about severe disease, says Andy Pekosz, MD, professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in the U.S.
Typical symptoms of the new variant Coronavirus FLiRT that:
- watery nasal discharge,
- cough,
- subfebrile condition or fever,
- muscle pain,
- headaches.
Additional symptoms may also appear, such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, conjunctivitis and difficulty sleeping. It is worth remembering that these symptoms are similar to those of a cold, which can cause them to be underestimated.
New variant of coronavirus FLiRT. When do the first symptoms appear? How long are we infected?
Infectious period for FLiRT variant remains the same as previous omicron variants. An infected person can be contagious 1-2 days before symptoms appear and up to 5 days after they appear. The typical time from exposure to the virus to the first symptoms appearing is:
- 5-6 days after contact with the virus,
- the infectious period can last up to a week after symptoms appear.
Pekosz emphasizes: “After infection, it can take five or more days for symptoms to appear, although they can appear earlier. As with previous variants, we can detect active coronavirus even for a week after symptoms appear, and some people may experience so-called rebound symptoms.
Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures such as isolation and testing as soon as possible if infection is suspected.
FLiRT coronavirus symptoms are minimized
Doctors emphasize that COVID-19 symptoms can easily be mistaken for a cold, stomach flu or other infections. This means that patients do not always take them seriously and often explain their illnesses with other reasons, such as:
- the impact of air conditioning in the office,
- excessive fan operation,
- climate change.
However, ignoring the symptoms can lead to serious symptoms. complicationsTherefore, it is important to consult a doctor and take a COVID-19 test if in doubt.
COVID 19. Interest in pooled testing is growing
With the growing wave of cases of… COVID-19 interest has also increased diagnostic tests. In July 2024, the sale of so-called combined testsdetecting COVID-19, influenza A/B and RSV, was the highest since the end of the flu season. The numbers are as follows:
- 186,943 tests sold in July 2024,
- 72 thousand tests sold in June 2024,
- almost 93 thousand tests sold in April 2024.
New vaccines against COVID-19
Meanwhile, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday approved updated Covid vaccines produced by companies Pfizer and Moderna. As reported by CNBC, the preparations will be available to Americans in the coming days, amid a summer surge in cases of the disease caused by the virus.
The vaccines target a strain of the virus called KP.2, a descendant of the highly contagious omicron JN.1 subvariant that began appearing widely in the U.S. earlier this year.
As reported by CNBC, Pfizer and Moderna have said their vaccines can cause… stronger immune response against other circulating subvariants of the virus, such as KP.3 and LB.1, than last year’s series of vaccines targeting the omicron XBB.1.5 strain.
“Given waning population immunity, we strongly encourage eligible individuals to consider getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine to provide better protection against currently circulating variants,” Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in a statement.
The new vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are approved for people over 12 years of age and have emergency use authorization for children aged 6 months to 11 years.