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Summer is here and COVID-19 may be the last thing on our minds, but COVID-19 is still here to play. Unlike the flu and RSV that have an affinity to strike in winter, COVID-19 does not follow a seasonal pattern (CDC, 2024). This is largely in part because new variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, continue to develop. Among the predominant variants this summer are the FLiRT variants, which have garnered attention for their distinct genetic makeup and potential implications for public health.
COVID-19's Family Tree: Meet the Newest Branches
To understand the complex web of COVID-19 and it's variants, think of a family tree. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is at the top of the tree and variants are like its children, grandchildren, and so on, each with some changes in their genetic makeup, similar to how children inherit traits from their parents. As the virus spreads and changes, new branches form on this family tree. The FLiRT variants are the newest branch on the family tree, descended from the JN.1 variant. The FLiRT variants have all independetly picked up a set of mutations from their parent JN.1. These mutations consist of changes to spike proteins, which enhance the virus's ability to infect human cells and evade antibodies (Rose, 2024). This evolutionary process underscores the ongoing challenge of understanding and combatting the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19.
FLiRT Variants: A Familiar Story
The FLiRT variants present similar symptoms as the previous COVID-19 variants, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (CDC, 2024). Symptom severity varies depending on factors such as age, immunity, and overall health status. The period of infectiousness of the FLiRT variants remain the same: generally, individuals can spread the virus one to two days before symptoms appear and for a few days after symptoms resolve. Similarly, it can take up to five days for symptoms to appear after exposure (Rosen, 2024). Even though, there has been more cases of COVID-19 this summer, there has not been an increase in hospitalizations. You can track COVID trends here.
Stay Safe This Summer: Testing, Prevention, and the Latest on COVID-19 Vaccines
If you fall ill this summer, COVID-19 testing remains accessible and is still a recommended action to take. If you test positive, it's essential to adhere to CDC's respiratory virus guidelines here. Key preventative strategies include practicing good hygeine with proper handwashing, covering your face when coughing or sneezing, staying home if you feel unwell, testing when symptoms arise, wearing a mask, and staying vaccinated.
Vaccines continue to be effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Encouragingly, the most up to date vaccines are effective against JN.1 and it's variants (CDC, 2024). As new variants emerge, updated vaccines incorporating modified antigens will follow suit. The World Health Organization is advising that the JN.1 lineage is to be used as the antigen for the next vaccine formulations (WHO, 2024).
As we navigate this "FLiRT"-acious summer with COVID-19 and its variants, staying informed is an important first step in keeping ourselves healthy. The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are great sources for information regarding COVID-19. While vaccines offer robust protection, staying informed and adhering to preventive measures such as testing, masking, and maintaining good hygiene remain our best defenses. By continuing to adapt and respond responsibly, we can navigate this season with resilience, ensuring a safer environment for ourselves and our communities.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, July 3). Covid-19 can surge throughout the Year. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/covid-19-can-surge-throughout-the-year.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, March 15). Symptoms of COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, July 3). Covid-19 variant update. IDSA Home. https://www.idsociety.org/covid-19-real-time-learning-network/diagnostics/covid-19-variant-update/#/+/0/publishedDate_na_dt/desc/
Rosen, A. (2024, May 13). What to know about covid flirt variants. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2024/what-to-know-about-covid-flirt-variants
World Health Organization. (2024, April 26). Statement on the antigen composition of Covid-19 Vaccines. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news/item/26-04-2024-statement-on-the-antigen-composition-of-covid-19-vaccines
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