The latest update on the COVID FLiRT variant symptoms reveals that sufferers are experiencing symptoms resembling a severe cold. Describing it as a "cold on steroids," a local doctor said the variant is rapidly spreading, prompting concerns among health professionals.
Describing it as a "cold on steroids," a local doctor said the variant is rapidly spreading, prompting concerns among health professionals. ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images
Surge in COVID FLiRT Variant Cases Sparks Concern
The local doctor has outlined the symptoms reported by her patients affected by the new COVID FLiRT variant. Earlier this month, health authorities in Ireland expressed concerns about a notable surge in confirmed COVID cases and hospitalizations.
They cautioned that COVID infections are again increasing in Ireland, reflecting trends observed across Europe. On June 6, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) reported a nearly 20% rise in known infections within a week.
The HPSC documented 306 cases in Week 21 (May 19-25), up 19.1% from the previous week's 257 cases. In the latest reporting period, Dublin Live reported 154 hospitalizations, a 40% rise from the previous week's 110 cases.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) also indicated that early data for next week suggest this upward trend will persist. These figures are the most recent update from the HPSC.
They reflect a concerning surge in cases related to the new FLiRT variant in Ireland. FLiRT encompasses various recently identified variants in Ireland, all stemming from the JN. 1 variant, which has been prevalent throughout this year.
According to the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), FLiRT variants now comprise over 50% of all reported infections in the United States.
A family doctor in the US has used TikTok to provide an update on the symptoms she is currently observing with a specific strain of the illness.
In a video that gained widespread attention, Dr. Jessica Kiss, who goes by @askdrmom on TikTok, detailed the symptoms linked to the COVID FLiRT variant.
Speaking directly to her audience, she emphasized the importance of understanding the current symptoms, clarifying that these are recent developments rather than a return to the pandemic's early stages in 2020.
Kiss explained that the COVID FLiRT variant shares ancestry with Omicron but carries mutations that make it better at evading our immune defenses, leading to increased illness among people. She emphasized that her intention is not to cause alarm but to provide information.
These symptoms, she explained, are similar to those of a cold but often more severe. While fewer individuals have mentioned a loss of taste or smell, she clarified that this can still occur with this variant and should be considered a potential indicator of COVID infection.
The HSE has identified fatigue, high temperature or chills, and a dry cough as the primary symptoms to monitor for potential COVID infection. They also list less common signs such as loss or changes in smell or taste, a runny or blocked nose, conjunctivitis, sore throat, headache, muscle or joint pain, skin rashes, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and feeling chilly or dizzy.
If any of these symptoms manifest, the HSE advises individuals to stay home and avoid contact with others until their symptoms have mostly or entirely resolved, typically within 48 hours.
For those who test positive for COVID, the recommendation is to self-isolate and refrain from contact with others for at least five days from the onset of symptoms.
