FLiRT coronavirus strain: how dangerous it is and what symptoms it causes Doctor Zhemchugov: The spread of the new FLiRT coronavirus strain will be rapid 09.17.2024, 16:16

What is FLiRT?

Flirt: sub variable The Omicron strain that was dominant last winter and the driving force behind this summer’s COVID-19 wave. This so-called sublineage branches off into separate smaller “branches” – strains. They may be called KP.2, KP.3, KS.1, LB.1, etc.

First time FLiRT recorded In India in November 2023. After that, the strain was detected in other countries (USA, UK, South Korea and Russia).

Why is FLiRT called that?

The name of the coronavirus subvariant is compiled from the technical names of mutations in the spike protein, which include the letters F, L, R, and T. The spike protein helps the virus bind to and infect host cells, and changes in these proteins allow the pathogen to evade the immune response and infect even people who have previously been ill or vaccinated.

At the same time, a change in the configuration of the spike protein could reduce the ability of the virus to bind to the cell membrane, so the specifics of the effect of the new strain of the virus require further study.

FLiRT Strain in Russia

In Russia for the monitoring period until May 2024 It turned out 178 FLiRT variant cases.

The number of infection cases increased sharply in September increasedAccording to Rospotrebnadzor, in the first two weeks of September, the proportion of variants of new coronavirus strains circulating in the country, which is included in the FLiRT bottom line, Increased by 2.5 times.

“A sharp increase in the proportion of these variants among variants circulating in the Russian Federation, combined with seasonal factors, led to a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country in early September 2024,” the ministry said.

How dangerous is FLiRT?

With data According to Rospotrebnadzor, these variants have specific mutations in the spike protein that allow the virus to evade the immune response while retaining the ability to effectively infect cells.

“The LB.1 and KP.3 variants are reported to show higher transmissibility compared to their predecessors. The mutation found in the LB.1 variant significantly increases its ability to bypass the immune response,” he emphasized.

Immunologist and candidate of medical sciences Vladislav Zhemchugov noted in an interview with socialbites.ca that FLiRT can partially inhibit the immune response caused by vaccination, but the final results have not yet been reached.

“Most likely, the virus will have a low mortality rate but a high rate of spread. In fact, it can be considered a new vaccine offered to us by nature. “It will allow us to renew our collective immunity built up over previous waves of disease and vaccination,” the expert said.

Experts from the Johns Hopkins Institute in the USA notedViruses like SARS-CoV-2 often mutate to evade recognition by the human immune system, but when mutations occur, the virus’ ability to bind to receptors on the cells it wants to infect often weakens.

“Then we see mutations emerge that enhance this binding ability. We have observed this cycle many times over the course of tracking SARS-CoV-2. The fact that these different variants contain the same mutations tells virologists that this combination of mutations helps the virus most effectively achieve both of its goals: evading the immune system and infecting cells,” the institute said.

This Approved and Anatoly Altstein, professor and virologist at the Gamaleya Center.

“The virus is evolving. Its high contagiousness is mainly due to the fact that the human immune system does not recognize it. FLiRT can cause a more complicated course of the disease in some people, it depends on the person’s body,” he explained.

Symptoms of FliRT infection

According to Zhemchugov, symptoms of infection with the FLiRT coronavirus variant are the same as those of infection with other variants of SARS-CoV-2. They include: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, body aches, headache, nausea, diarrhea.

at Yale University of Medicine notedIt was noted that there is no definitive information yet on whether the disease with the new coronavirus subvariants will be more severe and how symptoms may vary. Since everyone is different, the symptoms and severity of COVID-19 depend less on which variant they are infected with and more on their immunity and general health.

At the Johns Hopkins Institute emphasizedThe incubation period after infection does not change and is at least five days. Doctors also reminded that a person becomes contagious two days before symptoms appear, so it is important to do a PCR test at home to detect the virus.

What complications can FLiRT cause?

Like other coronavirus subvariants, FLiRT can cause serious complications, such as spontaneous Formation of thrombotic plaques and myocarditis, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (FREE).

Also, some of the survivors suffer from post-Covid syndrome. The main symptoms of post-Covid syndrome are increased fatigue, shortness of breath, depression, and the appearance of signs of cognitive dysfunction. They can make themselves felt after three months of the disease. In some patients, the acute stages of symptoms can be followed by several times, temporary improvements in the condition.

With words Leading Researcher, Laboratory of Immunology and Virology of HIV Infection, St. Petersburg Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Pasteur, Doctor of Medical Sciences Vadim Rassokhin says that up to 50-70% of those who have had COVID-19 have neurological or other manifestations of post-Covid syndrome.

Who is at risk of infection

According to Zhemchugov, four groups of citizens are at risk.

1. People with weak immune systemsThose undergoing chemotherapy, having an organ transplant or taking immunosuppressive drugs. Their immune systems are not able to respond effectively to infections, making them more vulnerable to severe forms of COVID-19.
2. Old peopleAs we age, the immune system weakens and the body’s ability to fight infections decreases.
3. Service workersDoctors, nurses and cleaning staff who are in direct contact with infected patients are at higher risk of infection. Those at risk may also include workers in education, public transport and catering sectors.
4. Patients suffering from concomitant pathologies. Certain diseases significantly increase the risk of developing severe forms of COVID-19 and its complications. These include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, lung disease, and obesity.

Treating and preventing infection with FLiRT

Prevention and treatment of COVID-19 caused by FLiRT are the same as other types. Doctors recommend taking simple precautions: Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing, get vaccinated with topical medications, and stay home if you feel unwell.

“Wash your hands more often, ventilate rooms, disinfect work surfaces and tools, avoid contact with people with symptoms of illness.” recommends Rospotrebnadzor.

The elderly, those with weak immune systems, and children need to take extra precautions by staying away from crowded places and wearing masks.

If you notice the above symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor to seek professional medical help.

Will there be an explosion of cases?

According to many sources, the FLiRT strain can infect humans more effectively, so there is a risk of a new COVID-19 outbreak.

“Mutations in viruses are usually random. They can lead to serious consequences and significantly increase the speed of their spread. Then questions will arise about serious prevention of the disease or the development of a new vaccine against this particular type,” Zhemchugov noted.

The immunologist said the FLiRT strain raises concerns among doctors and specialists, but concluded that ultimately the likelihood of an outbreak will depend on compliance with precautions and the level of vaccination of the population.