New COVID Subvariants Emerge in Australia
As winter approaches, a new family of COVID-causing subvariants, nicknamed FLiRT, has arrived in Australia. These subvariants are descendants of the JN.1 variant, which is more transmissible but causes less severe illness than earlier versions.
FLiRT is expected to become the dominant strain in Australia, similar to the US, where it has already overtaken JN.1. The World Health Organization (WHO) is closely monitoring these subvariants and may classify them as Variants Under Monitoring (VUM) due to their potential impact on global health.
Symptoms and Prevalence
FLiRT symptoms are similar to those of recent COVID variants, with varying severity among individuals. Official case numbers are difficult to determine due to decreased testing, but NSW Health reports "moderate" levels of COVID-19. Hospitalizations are also increasing, particularly among older age groups.
Protection Measures
Stay home when sick.
Practice good hygiene and sanitation.
Ensure proper ventilation.
Consult a GP if symptoms worsen.
Get vaccinated and boosted if eligible.
Why New Variants Emerge
Viruses naturally evolve over time, with some changes affecting their properties like transmissibility, severity, and response to treatments. The emergence of new variants like FLiRT is expected, and scientists are still studying the reasons behind the virus's behavior.
Impact on Vaccines
While current vaccines remain effective, the WHO recommends developing future vaccines based on JN.1 to offer protection against future descendant lineages. Updated vaccines are expected to take several months to develop and receive regulatory approval.
Conclusion
The emergence of FLiRT highlights the ongoing evolution of COVID-19. While the current vaccines remain effective, staying informed, practicing preventive measures, and getting vaccinated and boosted when eligible are crucial steps in protecting yourself and others.