The CDC is monitoring a new COVID-19 variant, KP2, also known as the COVID flirt variant. This variant is a mutation of the Omicron strain and currently accounts for around 28% of all infections as of early May.
However, the CDC doesn’t have evidence suggesting the COVID flirt variant causes more severe illnesses compared to other variants. It’s also not causing a significant increase in infections at this time.
Cause for Concern? Severity and Spread of the Variant
Professor Amir Rowe, an expert in Global Health and Epidemiology at George Mason University, weighs in on the COVID flirt variant. According to Professor Rowe, KP2 is a descendant of an Omicron variant that was dominant earlier this winter.
The KP2 and KP 1.1 variants are the current COVID flirt variants, and they are expected to become more prevalent.
Opinions differ on whether we’re still in the throes of a pandemic. While some may argue we’re not, there’s no denying we’ve come a long way. Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have significantly decreased compared to the pandemic’s peak.
Expert Insight: Professor Amir Rowe on the COVID Flirt Variant
So, what does this COVID flirt variant mean for the upcoming summer months? Professor Rowe explains that the “flirt” name comes from the technical terms used to describe the mutations in the virus.
Past summers have seen surges in COVID cases, but these weren’t as severe as earlier waves. Individuals most at risk for severe illness from the COVID flirt variant are those who are immunocompromised or elderly.
The biggest concern surrounding the COVID flirt variant is its ability to evade the immune system. The immunity gained from previous COVID infections or vaccinations, particularly the Omicron variant vaccine, may not be as strong against these new variants. The CDC is closely monitoring this situation.
There’s good news on the vaccine front, though. An updated COVID vaccine may be available later this year, possibly in the fall. Additionally, research is ongoing to improve the existing vaccine’s effectiveness against these new circulating strains while maintaining its safety profile.
