What You Need to Know About the Latest COVID Variant

In 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the world, accounting for more than 7 million deaths around the globe.

Now, some five years later, humanity as a whole is still adjusting to the “new normal” that includes remote work, ordering groceries online, and so much more.

While it’s easy to assume that the COVID scare is over because we’re five years removed from the beginning of the virus that would change the world, that’s not the case.

Instead, the Coronavirus continues to evolve and mutate.

While experts agree that vaccinations and boosters may be able to lessen the severity of the virus, and it’s unlikely that we’ll see a repeat of the madness that we remember 2019 and 2020 for, it’s still important to know what’s going on with this newest COVID variant.

What’s the Latest COVID Variant?

As of spring of 2024, COVID cases around the world were declining, which is wonderful news. Global health experts typically agree that this is largely because of the number of people who have been vaccinated against the disease.

However, it’s also common for viruses to become less potent as they evolve.

In April of 2024, the latest group of COVID variants began to show up in tests. Known as the FLiRT variant, an acronym that’s based on the technical name of these variants, these newest variants are actually on the rise in the United States.

The KP.2 variant, along with the KP.3 variant, are both tied to the Omicron variant. Years ago, the original strain of the COVID-19 variant was replaced by the Alpha variant. Shortly after, scientists uncovered the Delta variant.

Eventually, the world started seeing cases of the Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants, which is where we’re still at today.

While it’s easy to assume that COVID is a thing of the past, that’s simply not the case at all. According to national health reports, these Omicron-related variants made up roughly 5% of COVID cases in America in March 2024. By mid-June, that number had climbed to a staggering 60%.

Dr. Scott Roberts, an infectious disease specialist at Yale Medicine, says that it’s not surprising that we’re seeing new COVID variants, as most viruses mutate.

Dr. Roberts goes on to say that it’s expected that this new strain of COVID will probably continue to mutate, which is why it’s so important for us to recognize the early symptoms and learn more about how to take precautions.

Where Did the FLiRT Variant Originate?

Unfortunately, no one knows precisely where or when the newest COVID variant originated. Both the KP.2 and the KP3 variants were detected by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in wastewater some time back.

We also know that these latest strains are not exclusive to the United States, as health organizations have also found these strains in the United Kingdom and Canada.

There is a great deal of concern surrounding the transition from the KP.2 to the KP.3 variant, as the KP.3 is believed to be more transmissible than its predecessor.

The number of positive cases that point to other strains seems to be declining, but there was a sharp increase in the number of positive cases tied to the KP.3 variant in the early part of 2024.

While it’s more contagious, there is some good news. Much as was the case with the KP.2 variant, the KP.3 variant seems to be less virulent, resulting in fewer hospitalizations, deaths, and long-term effects.

What Do We Know (and Not Know) About the FLiRT Variants?

Depending on where you lived during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have watched daily press conferences from your governor or another leader in your state that focused on updating numbers and issuing the newest warnings.

As time went on and the most severe phase of the pandemic faded into the past, those formal announcements became less frequent.

This means that there simply aren’t as many informed individuals when it comes to the FLiRT variants.

One of the things that we do know about these latest COVID variants is that there are two mutations on the spike proteins that were not present on the earlier JN.1 variant of the virus.

Unfortunately, many experts believe that these spikes on the surface of the virus may make it easier for them to get past the body’s immune system, whether natural or vaccination-based.

While this is startling, there is some good news to consider. Since the protein spike is the only true difference between these newest variants and the JN.1, it’s expected that the symptoms won’t be as severe going forward.

It’s also likely that people who have recently dealt with the JN.1 version of the virus are going to be able to fight off the newer variants. Obviously, this isn’t a guarantee, and people who are immunocompromised should continue to exercise caution.

What Are the Symptoms of the FLiRT Variants?

When it comes to COVID, early detection is crucial, especially if you have respiratory problems or issues with your immune system.

Fortunately, the symptoms of the FLiRT variants seem to be pretty similar to the early symptoms that people have experienced during every phase of the virus’ lifespan.

It is still normal for symptoms to not present for up to five days after exposure. Also, some of the earliest symptoms of the FLiRT variants are similar to those of a common cold.

This was the case for many patients at the height of the pandemic and is largely blamed for many of the more severe cases. When people thought that they were dealing with a typical, seasonal cold, they often delayed seeking treatment, allowing the virus to ravage their bodies.

Common symptoms of the KP.2 and KP.3 variants include:
• Muscle aches
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Loss of smell
• Loss of taste
• Shortness of breath

How Can I Protect Myself Against FliRT Variants?

There is a lot of good news surrounding how to protect yourself against the FLiRT variants of the COVID-19 virus.

First of all, experts around the world agree that vaccines are likely to be effective when dealing with the newest variants of the virus.

If you have not yet received a vaccine or haven’t gotten your scheduled boosters, it’s a good idea to do so. This is especially true if you are considered “high risk” due to age or underlying health problems.

Additionally, pharmaceutical companies have come out with several products that are effective in minimizing the symptoms of the disease. Paxlova is still considered the leading name in the industry and has proven incredibly potent against the virus.

Early detection is still key, and thanks to the availability of at-home testing kits, it’s easier than ever before. Many Medicare plans pay for multiple at-home tests each month, and even if you’re not on Medicare, you can find them at most pharmacies.

While it’s unlikely that we’ll see a return to mask mandates unless the virus reaches pandemic levels, you’re certainly still allowed to strategically mask.

Also, continue regular hand washing, which was such a vital part of battling the pandemic in its earliest stages.

Will the Virus Go Away?

Unfortunately, it looks like COVID and its many variants are going to be a part of our lives going forward. In the same way that the flu virus has been something that humans have battled for generations, COVID is expected to continue to mutate and evolve.

Knowing the early symptoms and taking steps to protect yourself can certainly help you battle the disease, and can help cut down on its spread.