FLiRT is within the air — what we all know in regards to the newest COVID variants

It’s been over 4 years for the reason that international outbreak of COVID-19 and whereas many are beneath the belief that the pandemic is over, it’s necessary to stay vigilant. Case-in-point: a brand new household of COVID-19 variants — FliRT COVID — are at present making the rounds. These two variants, KP.1.1 and KP.2, collectively make up round 33% of latest COVID-19 circumstances. These variants might have the capability to unfold extra simply than older variants. Whereas the information is troubling, there isn’t a must panic. Right here is the whole lot we all know thus far these new COVID-19 variants and methods you’ll be able to keep protected.

What are the brand new FLiRT COVID variants?

FliRT is a household of omicron variant JN.1 offshoots consisting of the KP.1.1 and KP.2 variants. In keeping with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC), KP.2 is liable for round 25% of latest COVID-19 infections whereas KP.1.1 is liable for about 7.5%.

There’s analysis that means that the FliRT variants unfold extra readily as a result of a mutation within the spike proteins liable for transmission. This can be a widespread prevalence for COVID-19 variants, which mutate to raised evade immunity.

What are signs of the brand new FLiRT COVID variants?

As of this writing, signs of the FliRT COVID variants don’t seem to vary from these of different variants. These signs embrace:

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nostril

• Headache

• Muscle aches

• Issue respiratory

• Fatigue

• New lack of style or scent

• “Mind fog” (feeling much less wakeful and conscious)

• Gastrointestinal signs (upset abdomen, delicate diarrhea, vomiting)

What it’s essential to defend your self from COVID FliRT

Face masks

Carrying a masks stays one of the vital efficient methods to guard your self from contracting COVID-19. The most effective masks you should buy are N95 and KN95 masks, each of which filter 95% of the particles liable for transmitting COVID-19. When searching for masks on-line, do your due diligence to keep away from the myriad of fakes.

Air air purifier

BLUEAIR Air Air purifier

Air purifiers can take away dangerous air particles from your property, together with ones that unfold COVID-19.

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Be sure that the air in your house is free from COVID-19 by working a top quality, HEPA air air purifier. The most effective air air purifier we’ve examined is the Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max. Past its high quality HEPA filter, we love this air air purifier as a result of it’s quiet.

Hand sanitizer

Purell Superior Hand Sanitizer Refreshing Gel

Disinfect your palms with hand sanitizer that comprises not less than 60% alcohol.

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One other approach to curb the unfold of the FLiRT COVID-19 variants is to remain on high of your hand hygiene. It’s because you’ll be able to contract COVID by touching your hand to your eyes, nostril, or mouth after touching a floor coated with COVID-19 particles. Whereas one of the simplest ways to disinfect your palms is to make use of cleaning soap and heat water, utilizing hand sanitizer with not less than 60% alcohol will work in a pinch.

Disinfectant wipes

Disinfect surfaces to kill any viral particulates that could be lurking on them. Wipes might be most useful on surfaces which might be touched open reminiscent of doorknobs and light-weight switches.

Thermometer

If you happen to begin feeling beneath the climate, one approach to see for those who’ve contacted COVID-19 is through the use of a thermometer, as one of many signs is a working fever. Among the best thermometers to purchase is Vicks SpeedRead digital thermometer, which is cheap, protected to clean in water, and has color-coded readings.

COVID-19 at residence take a look at

BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Take a look at

An at-home take a look at can rapidly let you know whether or not or not you might have COVID-19.

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The place are the FLiRT COVID variants spreading?

As of this writing, the FliRT variants are spreading evenly throughout the nation — there isn’t a area the place the variants are spreading greater than others.

What else to learn about COVID-19 security