Doctor says FLiRT Covid spreads more easily and could defeat immunity

A doctor explained why the new FLiRT variants of Covid spread so quickly and became the dominant strain, saying their mutations could make them more infectious and better able to evade immunity from vaccines and previous infections. The new variants are from the Omicron family, but in the weeks since they were first detected they have become the most common strains in the UK and US.

The latest figures from the UKHSA show a 17.9% week-on-week rise in Covid infections and a 32.6% increase in people admitted to hospital with the virus – while a further 92 people have died. It happens because the most common strains now found in the UK are the FLiRT KP.2 and KP.1.1 variants.

Dr Mary Ramsay, director of public health programs at UKHSA, said: “Our latest data shows that cases of Covid-19 are still increasing.”

She urged everyone eligible to get a vaccine at nhs.uk/get-vaccine or call 119. The latest data from the US shows that Covid has a 35% higher risk of death than flu, on basis of hospital deaths last winter. .

Dr. Gregory P. Gasic, co-founder of VMeDx, said: “These strains are subvariants of JN.1.11.1, itself a descendant of JN.1. They contain mutations in the spike protein that give them an advantage in transmission and immune evasion. This makes them better able to spread and evade immunity from previous infections or vaccinations.

“The reason these FLiRT variants have become dominant so quickly is because of their greater transmissibility. Specifically, KP.2 surpassed other variants, accounting for more than a quarter of US infections as of mid-May 2024. This raised concerns about a potential spike in cases during the summer months. evasion of immunity, even from recent stimuli, adds an additional level of concern, particularly for vulnerable populations such as those over 65 or immunocompromised.

“To combat these variants, staying current on vaccinations remains crucial. Vaccines and updated boosters are vital, even if their effectiveness against these specific variants is not entirely clear. Public health guidelines such as wearing masks, social distancing and maintaining good hygiene. Basically, there are still important measures to reduce the risk of infection, as always it is essential to stay informed and follow the latest advice from health authorities, testing and following isolation protocols can help prevent the spread.