By Prabhat Prakash & Prarthana Sharma
New Delhi: Global public health systems continue to face difficulties as a result of the mutating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants in the ongoing fight against COVID-19. FLiRT, or fast-transmitting, low-immunity, rapid-transforming, is the most recent strain of SARS-CoV-2 to enter the constantly changing field. FLiRT has attracted a lot of interest from the scientific and medical communities due to its distinctive set of properties.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus has undergone many mutations since the pandemic began, creating new strains. Natural selection gives rise to these variations as the virus adjusts to its surroundings and hosts. Because of its increased transmissibility, the virus may benefit from some modifications, such as enhanced transmissibility or resistance to antibody neutralisation. Similar characteristics have been shown by earlier variants, such as Beta (first discovered in South Africa), Gamma (first discovered in Brazil), and Delta (first discovered in India), which have outcompeted earlier strains and spread quickly throughout populations.
Disease severity
Explaining the severe symptoms aligned with the variant, Dr Harshad Limaye, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, said, “According to recent scientific assessments, the FLiRT variant, which is categorised as an Omicron subvariant, does not appear to display a significantly elevated severity of sickness in comparison to other recent Omicron sub-variants. Although media and publications from the US have acknowledged its emergence, there isn’t any strong evidence to support the theory that FLiRT is linked to higher disease severity. This finding is consistent with the larger pattern of Omicron variations, in which transmissibility frequently outweighs severity. Nevertheless, further study and observation are necessary to completely comprehend FLiRT’s influence and any possible subtleties in its behaviour.”
Commenting on the severity, Dr Aklesh Tandekar, Head Consultant Critical Care, Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road, said, “The FLiRT form of COVID-19, specifically the KP.2 mutation, has become a dominant and worrisome strain in the US, leading to a notable increase in cases. Because of its great transmissibility and rapid population spread, the FLiRT mutation is considered a severe threat to public health. Moreover, the ongoing fight against the pandemic is made more difficult by its capacity to undermine immunity. Health officials and the general public are both more concerned about the spike in cases caused by this variety, which highlights the critical need for ongoing surveillance, immunisation campaigns, and adherence to preventive measures to lessen the disease’s effects and safeguard vulnerable groups.”FLiRT variant symptoms
FLiRT does not provide any novel patterns or features of disease. On the other hand, it presents with symptoms that are typical with COVID-19 infections. Headache, fever, body aches, cough, and symptoms similar to a cold are characteristic of these symptoms. Even while each person’s symptom profile may differ, keeping an eye out for these common signs is still crucial for quickly identifying and treating possible infections.
Dr Tandekar added, “This variant’s symptoms are similar to those of other variations, such as Omicron, and include a variety of typical symptoms like fever, chills, runny or stuffy nose, headache, weariness, sore throat, cough, muscular or body aches, and loss of taste and smell. When these warning signals appear, it’s critical to start covid testing right away because early diagnosis can help with timely response and containment measures. Fast testing is essential to correctly identify and manage cases, enabling efficient public health interventions and preventing additional transmission throughout communities, given the overlap in symptoms with earlier variations.”
Compared to other COVID-19 strains, FLiRT, a variation of the Omicron lineage, does not introduce any unique symptomatology or sickness patterns. Instead, its clinical manifestation closely resembles the recognised symptoms that are frequently connected to the illness.
Headaches, fever, body aches, coughing, and cold-like symptoms are common symptoms of FLiRT infection and can be experienced by individuals infected with different strains of the virus. The difficulty of clinically distinguishing FLiRT from other circulating variations based just on symptomatology is highlighted by the consistency in symptom manifestation, underscoring the significance of diagnostic testing and epidemiological background in accurately identifying and managing cases.
FLiRT transmissibility
The possibility of enhanced transmissibility over previous Omicron sub-variants is one noteworthy feature of FLiRT. As the virus continues to evolve, this tendency toward increased transmissibility is frequently seen with newer forms. It’s crucial to remember that greater transmissibility does not always equate to greater death rates. Following current public health recommendations is crucial to reducing the spread of FLiRT and its variations. This includes donning masks in crowded areas or medical facilities, social distancing, making sure immunisations are current, and washing hands frequently.
Dr Ujjwal Parakh, Senior Consultant, Department of Chest Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, shared, “Relief and caution are provided by the appearance of a new version that is more transmissible than its predecessors, like the Omicron variant, but less severe. The data that is now available indicates that this variation causes fewer severe cases and hospitalisations, even though it may spread more quickly. Thus, there is no need for fear, even though it is imperative to continue the preventive measures put in place during the Omicron spike, such as mask-wearing, social separation, and vaccine campaigns. Rather, a cautious strategy centred on monitoring and following public health recommendations can help slow the spread of this novel variation while guaranteeing that healthcare systems continue to be robust in the face of changing difficulties.”
The FLiRT variant, like other recent variants, might be more transmissible than previous Omicron sub-variants. There might not be a rise in death rates. Following the most recent public health recommendations, donning masks in crowded areas or medical institutions, making sure immunisations are current, and upholding proper cleanliness are examples of preventive actions.
Dr John Muchahary, Consultant, Interventional Pulmonology, Manipal Hospital Goa, said, “It is alarming that FLiRT has emerged, as it may be more transmissible than earlier Omicron sub-variants. This underscores the urgent need to take preventative action to slow the spread of the virus. Increasing testing and surveillance, adhering strictly to public health norms, and exercising increased vigilance are all necessary to support our efforts. Together, we can stop the spread of FLiRT and protect public health by being watchful, according to advised procedures, and quickly detecting and isolating patients.”
Preventive measures
Maintaining vigilant monitoring and following preventive measures are crucial to guard against major sickness caused by FLiRT and its variations, considering the dynamic nature of the pandemic. People should continue to take great care to abide by public health recommendations, especially when it comes to donning masks in crowded settings and when they are ill. Infection control also requires using social distancing techniques and upholding proper hand hygiene. Those who exhibit COVID-19-like symptoms should immediately remove themselves from social situations and seek medical attention as needed.
Dr Limaye said, “Following public health guidelines continues to be crucial in order to reduce the risk of serious illness, especially in light of the advent of the FLiRT variation. Using masks with caution, especially in crowded areas or when exhibiting symptoms, is an important way to prevent the spread of the infection. Maintaining social distance as a regular habit lowers the chance of exposure by further limiting the variant’s potential to propagate. When combined with strict hand hygiene, these precautions strengthen defences against infection. Those who are experiencing symptoms should take immediate action; they should advocate for self-isolation and medical consultation to promptly address any possible health concerns. People can help protect public health as well as their own health by strictly following these principles in the face of the constantly changing viral landscape.”
Dr Muchahary added, “Proactive steps are essential to protect individual and societal health in the face of the FLiRT virus. The best line of defence is vaccination, with booster shots suggested to bolster immunity over time. But in addition to immunisation, following basic public health guidelines is still crucial. Three key tactics for reducing the danger of transmission are wearing masks consistently, washing your hands thoroughly, and keeping your distance from others. In addition to providing individual protection, these actions strengthen the resilience of the community as a whole, halting the spread of FLiRT and reducing any potentially dangerous health effects.”
Age groups at risk
There is an increased risk of severe sickness from FLiRT and other variations in some demographic groups, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health disorders like diabetes, asthma, COPD, and other immune-related issues. It is essential to be on guard and take particular care to reduce exposure for these susceptible groups. Maintaining current immunisations and following recommended preventive measures are crucial tactics to guard against serious consequences.
Dr Limaye mentioned, “Elderly people and those with pre-existing medical diseases such as diabetes, COPD, asthma, and immune-related disorders need to take extra precautions and take an active role in their health. As they are more susceptible to infections, especially respiratory diseases like COVID-19, it is critical that they maintain current vaccination records. Strict adherence to preventive measures can also considerably lower their chance of catching infectious diseases, such as mask use, proper hand hygiene, and keeping physical distance. They can protect their health and reduce the risk of serious sickness or consequences by keeping a close eye on their condition, getting care quickly when needed, and according to suggested guidelines.”
Dr Muchahary said, “Flu-like respiratory Illness Transmission, or FLiRT, is a serious public health concern that is more likely to affect specific groups of people. Due to their weaker defences against infections, those with weakened immune systems—such as those receiving chemotherapy or suffering from autoimmune disorders—are more vulnerable. Elderly people are also more vulnerable, particularly those over 65, since ageing frequently results in immune system deterioration and a higher chance of underlying medical disorders. Furthermore, people with long-term illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, or lung disorders, are more susceptible to serious side effects from FLiRT. Targeted interventions are crucial to addressing these discrepancies; these include community outreach initiatives, access to healthcare services, and extensive immunisation campaigns to make sure that disadvantaged communities receive the assistance needed.”
Understanding the variant in the context of the spectrum of symptoms exhibited by FLiRT is similar to that of other strains of SARS-CoV-2, ranging from respiratory to systemic. To effectively traverse the continued issues provided by COVID-19 variations, healthcare providers, public health authorities, and the general public must recognise these prevalent symptoms and their implications for diagnosis and management. Stakeholders can help with effective response activities and lessen the impact of FLiRT and other developing variations on global health by continuing to be watchful, knowledgeable, and proactive.
