New variant of Covid FLiRT spreads sparks to the world stay at home warning | Coventry Live

A new variant of Covid FLiRT is causing worldwide concern with the potential for a summer spike in cases. This latter strain, which evolved from the once-dominant JN.1 variant, related to Omicron, saw KP. Strain 2 has become the most prevalent in the US.

This represents 28.2% of all cases up to May 11. Additionally, another FLiRT variant, KP. 1.1, has been identified, currently accounting for 7.1% of infections, according to reports.

Epidemiology expert Jennifer Horney of the University of Delaware warned: “While our idea of ​​what a wave of COVID-19 infections looks like has changed over the course of the pandemic, it is likely that these new strains are driving increases in the number of cases. in the US over the next few months.”

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Speaking on CNBC, Ms Horney added: “Many will be mild, based on our existing immunity and not changes to the circulating strain,” reports Birmingham Live. Despite this, the World Health Organization noted earlier this month that while the number of cases remains low in reporting countries, some are experiencing “slight increases in detections from very low levels”.

The UK’s Health Security Agency is closely monitoring emerging data on these variants, both domestically and internationally, assessing their impact and how vaccines cope with them. So far, there has been no change to public health recommendations, the agency confirmed in its latest briefing.

The UKHSA has issued a warning to those experiencing symptoms of a respiratory infection such as COVID-19, advising them to avoid contact with vulnerable people. They urge such people to stay at home if they are unwell or have a high temperature.

In addition, the health agency stressed: “Vaccines remain our best defense against severe illness and hospitalization from influenza and COVID-19. That’s why we ask people over 75, those with weakened immune systems and anyone living in nursing care. home for older adults to show up for their spring vaccinations.”

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