How dangerous is the FliRT variant of COVID-19?

A new variant of COVID-19 was discovered in the summer of 2024. The variant is known as the FLiRT variant.

This variant is a descendant of the Omicron strain and contains several mutations that make it more adept at evading the immune response compared to previous variants. These mutations affect the virus's spike protein, allowing it to bind more effectively to host cells and evade antibodies generated by previous infections or vaccinations.

The FLiRT variants have been identified in multiple countries, including the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, and Europe. The variant will be responsible for a significant portion of COVID-19 cases in these regions in the summer of 2024.

It's important to note that while these variants can spread more easily and evade certain immune defense mechanisms, current vaccines still provide protection, especially against severe disease.

Source: https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/3-things-to-know-about-flirt-new-coronavirus-strains

Source: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2024/what-to-know-about-covid-flirt-variants

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-07-15 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025