COVID-19 infections are rising in the U.S. again this summer. The main causes have been traced to the FLiRT and LB.1 strains, newer mutations of the Omicron coronavirus. Based on the data they’ve gathered so far, the CDC has observed that the FLiRT and LB.1 strains have been responsible for increasing infections across multiple states over the past few months.
The spread of these new mutations has scientists concerned about another potentially huge wave of infections this summer. So what are these new mutations? Which states currently have the highest levels of these strains? How can you reduce your risk of contracting them and what should you do if you contract them? Let’s dive into the details of these new coronavirus variants.
What Are the FLiRT and LB.1 Strains of Coronavirus?
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Both the LB.1 strain and the FLiRT strains, labeled KP.3, KP.2, and KP.1.1, mutated from the JN.1 Omicron variant that caused the COVID wave in the U.S. this past winter. Compared to JN.1, the FLiRT strains feature two mutations on the spike-shaped protrusions on their surfaces that could enable them to evade people’s immunities to the virus. Scientists haven’t yet identified what mutations might distinguish LB.1 from the FLiRT strains.
These strains are thought to be 20% more transmissible than JN.1, though so far they don’t appear to be causing illnesses as severe as previous coronavirus strains did. You should keep in mind, though, that the severity of your symptoms and illness depends more on your immunity and overall health than on the specific variant you contract.
If you contract one of these variants, you may experience cold-like symptoms, including a runny nose, a sore throat, congestion, and headaches. You might also experience fatigue, muscle aches, a loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Since many of these symptoms resemble sinus-like reactions, many people don’t even realize that they have COVID.
Where Have These Strains Been on the Rise?
Since COVID cases are rarely being tested or reported anymore, the CDC has been tracking the virus by analyzing wastewater samples from sewers and collecting data from emergency rooms and hospitals. As of July 2, the CDC estimated that COVID-19 infections were “growing or likely growing in 39 states or territories, declining or likely declining in 0 states or territories, and… stable or uncertain in 10 states or territories.”
At the start of July, fourteen states had what the CDC considered high or very high coronavirus levels in their wastewater, which signaled that infection levels were increasing in their communities. The nine states with high coronavirus levels were Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming, while the five states with very high coronavirus levels were Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.
As of June 25, the FLiRT variants were responsible for more than 60% of all COVID-19 cases in the U.S.; the KP.3 variant accounted for 33.1% of cases, KP.2 for 20.8%, and KP.1.1 for 9%. Meanwhile, LB.1 was accountable for 17.5% of all cases. Though they haven’t yet observed a major nationwide surge in cases, doctors predict that the U.S. is likely at the start of another COVID wave. Although it’s still uncertain how these trends will unfold over the summer, they also expect cases to keep rising as more people begin traveling on vacation and staying inside in air conditioning to beat summer heat waves.
What Can You Do to Avoid or Fight Off These New Strains?
To reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting these viruses, the CDC recommends practicing social distancing, wearing a mask in crowded or indoor spaces, properly washing your hands, improving ventilation, and staying aware of transmissions where you live and work. If you believe you’ve contracted COVID from any of these strains, you can test yourself using the currently available at-home tests since they can also detect the FLiRT and LB.1 variants. If you test positive, you should self-isolate; if you’ve been fever-free without medication and your symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours, you can return to your normal activities.
Although the current vaccines don’t fight the new mutations, the CDC still recommends you to stay up to date on your vaccinations and boosters so you’re less at risk of becoming seriously ill, being hospitalized, or dying from the virus. Furthermore, Paxlovid, the primary antiviral treatment for most people with COVID, is effective at fighting any mutation of the coronavirus since it works on a non-spiked part of the virus.
If you’re over 65 and haven’t done so already, it is recommended that you get the updated 2023-2024 vaccine and booster because advanced age is the biggest risk factor for severe COVID complications. The CDC is also currently working on an updated 2024-2025 vaccine that will target the FLiRT and LB.1 variants; anyone who’s eligible for the vaccine should make plans to get it when it releases in the fall.
Final Thoughts
Ever since its first appearance in the U.S. in 2020, the SARS coronavirus 2 variant has continued to mutate into new strains and cause surges in COVID-19 cases every year. Descended from the JN.1 strain of the Omicron variant, the FLiRT and LB.1 strains have spread across a majority of U.S. states in recent months and may lead to a large wave of COVID infections over the summer.
The CDC recommends that you practice social distancing, wear a mask in crowded places, and stay up to date on vaccinations and boosters if you want to avoid contracting an illness from these mutations. The agency is also working on developing an updated 2024-2025 vaccine to fight these new coronavirus strains; if you’re eligible, you should get the vaccine to help protect yourself and others from their worst effects.
Disclaimer: This article is intended simply to provide information. It does not replace the medical advice from a physician. Please speak with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
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