Recent weeks have seen a concerning increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations across the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany. This uptick is linked to the spread of new variants known as FLiRT variants, which are derived from the omicron strain. As we grapple with these developments, it’s crucial to unpack what these variants mean for public health.
Health officials have reported a rise in COVID-19 hospital admissions, particularly in areas where FLiRT variants are circulating more widely. These variants, named for specific mutations like Furin-like cleavage site, L452R, and T478K, are increasingly being detected in new cases. While their presence is notable, experts stress that there’s no clear evidence suggesting they cause more severe illness compared to earlier strains.
Dr. Paul Hunter, a professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia, notes that while hospitalizations are up, the severity of infections appears to be less severe than during previous waves of the pandemic. This is reassuring and highlights the role of hybrid immunity—protection from both prior infection and vaccination—in reducing severe outcomes.
Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, a COVID physician-scientist at Washington University in St. Louis, urges caution, emphasizing that it’s still early to fully understand the characteristics of FLiRT variants. He suggests that while some variants may spread more easily, their impact on illness severity is still being studied.
The increase in COVID-19 cases during summer is partly due to declining population immunity. Immunity from past infections or vaccinations tends to weaken over time, leaving people more vulnerable to new variants like FLiRTs. This underscores the importance of ongoing vaccination efforts and booster doses to maintain strong protection against COVID-19.
In response to the rise in hospitalizations, health authorities stress the importance of continuing preventive measures. This includes wearing masks in crowded places, maintaining physical distance, and staying up to date with vaccination schedules. These precautions are especially critical for older adults and those with underlying health conditions, who are more susceptible to severe illness.
As COVID-19 continues to evolve, fluctuations in cases and hospitalizations are becoming a familiar part of our lives. The emergence of FLiRT variants reminds us of the need for ongoing vigilance and adaptable public health strategies. While the current increase in hospital admissions is concerning, our collective efforts in vaccination and preventive measures can help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 variants on global health.
