What FLiRT, a new set of Covid-19 variant detected in the US, could mean for spring and summer

Sub: Science and tech

Sec: Health

Context:

The KP.2 variant, emerging as an offshoot of the JN.1 strain (Omicron variant) of the coronavirus, has shown a notable increase in prevalence in the United States.
From accounting for only 1% of cases in mid-March, KP.2 now represents over a quarter of all COVID-19 cases.
This variant belongs to a subset of COVID variants collectively nicknamed “FLiRT”.

Characteristics and Evolution of KP.2:

KP.2 is closely related to its predecessor, JN.1, with minor but significant alterations in its spike protein that potentially enhance its ability to evade immune defences and increase its transmissibility.
Spike protein:
- Spike (S) glycoprotein (also called spike protein) is the largest of the four major structural proteins found in coronaviruses.
- The spike protein assembles into trimers that form large structures, called spikes or peplomers, that project from the surface of the virion.
- It mediates viral entry into the host cell.

Vaccine Efficacy Against KP.2:

Vaccination and prior infections provide substantial protection against severe disease.
However, KP.2 poses challenges due to its distinct characteristics from the variants targeted by the most recent vaccines, such as XBB.1.5.
KP.2 may be more capable of infecting individuals vaccinated against different variants.
Nevertheless, vaccination remains crucial, especially for high-risk groups, including the elderly, pregnant, and immunocompromised individuals.

Symptoms and Long COVID Risks:

The symptom profile for KP.2 is expected to align with those observed in other variants: respiratory symptoms, fever, and in some cases, gastrointestinal disturbances.
While anosmia and ageusia are less common now, the risk of long COVID persists, especially with repeated infections, complicating the long-term management of the pandemic.
Long Covid:
- Long COVID is a term to describe the effects of COVID-19 that continue for weeks or months beyond the initial illness, usually three months from the onset of the symptoms.
- Older people and those who had five or more symptoms in the first week of becoming ill with COVID-19 are more prone to develop ‘long COVID’.

Source: IE