What is the COVID FLiRT Variant?
While it might have a cute name, the new COVID-19 FLiRT variant is anything but cute and sweet. Every virus changes over time, and COVID is no different. There are many different variants of COVID that have happened over the last few years, including many that are happening concurrently at the same time. Wondering how to stay safe and avoid the new variant? Keep reading to learn all about the new COVID FLiRT variant and how to stay safe with a COVID Vaccine Clinical Study in Los Angeles.
What is the FLiRT Variant?
In April, a group of new virus strains known as the FLiRT variants (based on the technical names of their two mutations) began to spread, followed in June by a variant known as LB.1. The FLiRT strains are subvariants of Omicron, and together they accounted for the majority of COVID cases in the U.S. at the beginning of July. One of them, KP.3, was responsible for 36.9% of COVID-19 infections in the United States, KP.2 made up 24.4%, and KP.1.1 accounted for 9.2% of cases.
The LB.1 strain, which is similar to the FLiRT variants but with an additional mutation, has attracted attention as well. As summer began, it was responsible for 14.9% of COVID cases. (The percentages are based on CDC Nowcast estimates, which provide projections that can change as more data is reported.)
What are the Current Symptoms of COVID?
The symptoms of COVID are largely the same as they always have been, which is very similar to flu symptoms to varying degrees. Some examples of COVID symptoms include:
- Congestion or runny nose
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Fever or chills
- Headache
- Muscle or body aches
- Nausea or vomiting
- New loss of taste or smell
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sore throat
Anyone experiencing COVID, whether it is the FLiRT variant or otherwise, may experience all or only some of these symptoms and may experience additional symptoms as new information arises.
Protect Yourself with a COVID Vaccine Clinical Study
All existing testing methods, such as at-home tests and professional COVID tests, will detect the FLiRT variant. However, to best protect yourself against COVID, it is important to keep up-to-date with your vaccine. The newest investigational vaccine, made of the latest in technology and research related to COVID, is exclusively available for the participants of our COVID Vaccine Clinical Study in Los Angeles.
If you live in Los Angeles, want a free vaccine, and want to get paid for your time and travel, we want to hear from you! Click here to fill out a short form with your contact information so that we can get in touch with you regarding the next steps (and there are only three of them!).
For more information, visit us at LosAngelesClinicalTrials.com!
