The ongoing summer has raised concerns about a resurgence of COVID-19, with the virus continuing to mutate.
As per Indian Express, Variants from the FLiRT group and the LB.1 variant, which has an additional mutation, are causing particular worry.
FLiRT variants, sub-variants of Omicron, account for over 60% of COVID-19 cases in the US, with KP.3 alone responsible for 33.1% of infections by early June, according to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
These strains are more transmissible and can evade immunity from vaccines and previous infections.
The LB.1 strain, a mutation of the FLiRT group, caused 17.5% of US COVID-19 cases as summer began.
Both FLiRT and LB.1 are highly transmissible and have led to an increase in hospitalizations in the US, UK, and Singapore.
In the US, emergency room visits for COVID-19 rose over 23% from June 16 to 22, with deaths increasing by 14.3%.
Meanwhile, in Singapore, COVID-19 cases jumped from 13,700 to 25,900 between May 5 to 11, with hospitalizations rising from 181 to 250.
While, in India, 290 cases of the KP.2 variant and 34 cases of the KP.1 variant were reported in May.
Experts note that immunity from vaccines and previous infections fades over time.
However, continued booster doses are necessary, especially for the elderly and those with comorbidities.
Preventative measures, such as social distancing, wearing N95 or KN95 masks indoors, and improving ventilation, remain crucial.
People in high-risk areas or with health vulnerabilities should take extra precautions.
