The meaning behind the new variant of Covid FLiRt

The emergence of a new variant of Covid has emerged again. The FLiRt variant is on the rise in the UK, with the highly contagious new variant spreading rapidly across the country.

The latest data provided by the Government shows that positive cases of Covid rose to 8.6% from 6.8% the previous week, with hospitalizations rising to 3.28 per 100,000 from 2.50 per 100,000 the previous week.

The name “FLiRt” encompasses several new variants – such as the KP.2 – which evolved from a single variant, the JN.1 variant which in turn came from the BA.2.86 variant. The new name for the variant is easy to remember because it’s a word in itself, but how did they come up with it?

READ MORE: Thousands of Covid cases as fresh wave driven by FLiRT variants

According to the UKHSA blog, the new nickname for the variant “was inspired by the names of the mutations in the genetic code of the variants”. These are the mutations found on the spike protein of the new Covid virus.

The mutation known as F was replaced by another known as L, then the mutation R was replaced by T. This is how we get the leading letters for the new name “FLiRT”.

With the new version, the tips are still the same. You should avoid contact with people and stay at home to isolate yourself if possible. Vaccines are still recommended to fight the virus because they are the best defense against it.

Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at the University of Warwick, told i Paper: “The latest data indicates that infections are increasing. Of particular concern is a small increase in Covid-related hospitalizations.

“The spread of new virus variants and waning immunity are a particular concern for the most vulnerable – the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. Although currently available vaccines are not a perfect match for these new variants, the spring jab should provide some protection.”

NHS symptoms of COVID-19

Symptoms of Covid-19 may include:

a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel warm to the touch on your chest or back (you don’t need to take your temperature)

a new, persistent cough – this means you cough for a long time for more than an hour or 3 or more episodes of coughing in 24 hours

a loss or change in the sense of smell or taste

breathing difficulties

feeling tired or exhausted

a painful body

a headache

a sore throat

a blocked or runny nose

loss of appetite

diarrhea

feeling bad or bad

If you think you have Covid, you can check the NHS guidelines via this link here.

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