New FLiRT COVID-19 Variant Under CDC Scrutiny, Ohio’s Status Unknown

DEBARYLIFE – The majority of coronavirus infections in the United States are caused by a novel class of variations that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are monitoring.

Time Magazine said that the KP.2 and KP.1.1 variants are part of the new group of variants dubbed FLiRT.

Infections between April 14 and April 27 were associated with 25% of cases, according to the most recent CDC statistics. The remaining 7.5% was KP 1.1’s fault.

According to the CDC, these variants belong to a lineage that is “variant of concern,” which means that they are more contagious, have the potential to cause more serious illness or respond less well to vaccinations or medical interventions.

Do Any Cases Exist In Ohio?

Ken Gordon, press secretary for the Ohio Department of Health, stated in a statement that although the FLiRT variant was found in Ohio in March, JN.1 is still by far the most common variant in the region.

According to Gordon, there has been no evidence that the Omicron variant’s subvariants FLiRT, JN.1, and BA.2.86 cause more severe sickness than their counterparts.

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To protect themselves from variations, the agency advises Ohioans to maintain current COVID-19 vaccines.

Starting in September 2023, the latest booster was made accessible. Gordon stated that if at least four months have gone by since the booster shot, the CDC advises recipients 65 years of age and older, as well as those with impaired immune systems, to receive a second dose of the vaccine.

Along with staying at home and avoiding social interactions until at least 24 hours after fever or other symptoms have subsided, Gordon stressed the need to adhere to the most recent CDC guidelines if you feel ill.