Covid 19: what we know about “FLiRT”, this new variant detected in Spain which raises fears of a new wave of contamination

This umpteenth variant would be more contagious and more resistant to vaccines. FREE MIDI ILLUSTRATION – MiKAEL ANISSET

A new mutation of the Covid-19 virus, called KP 2 and nicknamed "FLiRT", is circulating in the United States and Europe. More contagious and resistant to vaccines, it makes the scientific community fear an increase in cases and a wave of contamination this summer.

Nicknamed "FLiRT", a new variant of Covid-19 is gaining ground and worrying the scientific community.

As reported by our colleagues from L’indépendant, this variant called KP.2 would be more resistant to vaccines than the JN.1 strain – derived from the Omicron family and today largely in the majority in France – from which it comes.

More contagious

Since the beginning of May, KP.2 has been the dominant strain in the United States, now present in 28.2% of contaminations, compared to 3, 8% at the end of March. In Europe, it is currently less active but has already been spotted in 14 countries, including Spain, where the first cases were detected in Catalonia.

What particularly worries scientists is that this "FLiRT" variant, nicknamed so because of the letters appearing in the name of these mutations (F456L and R346T), seems more resistant to vaccines than the previous strain. Nevertheless, it does not seem more dangerous and the symptoms remain the same.

On the eve of the start of the summer season, which encourages gatherings, the arrival of this new variant could lead to a new wave of contamination. Scientists therefore call for vigilance and the continuation of barrier gestures, such as wearing a mask in enclosed spaces and on public transport.