Two new COVID-19 subvariants, collectively nicknamed FLiRT, are increasingly edging out the winter’s dominant strain ahead of a possible summer uptick in coronavirus infections. The two FLiRT subvariants combined comprised an estimated 35% of coronavirus infections nationally for the two-week period that began April 28, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The new subvariants have been dubbed FLiRT for the mutations on the evolved COVID-19 virus. Anticipation is also building for a fresh version of the COVID-19 vaccine to be released possibly by September. It could be designed against last winter’s JN.1 strain, but it’s also possible officials decide it should be designed against the rising FLiRT subvariants, Chin-Hong said.

Source: Los Angeles Times May 14, 2024 18:26 UTC