New COVID-19 Variants FLiRT: KP.2 and KP.1.1 Dominant Strains in US, Highly Transmissible

United States, Multiple states United States of America
FLiRT variants may cause symptoms such as sore throat, cough, fatigue, congestion, runny nose, headache, muscle aches, fever or chills.
KP.2 and KP.1.1 are the dominant strains, making up 32% of cases.
New COVID-19 variants named FLiRT are spreading in the US.
Vaccines and boosters can help protect against the virus. Good hygiene habits also reduce risk of infection.
New COVID-19 Variants FLiRT: KP.2 and KP.1.1 Dominant Strains in US, Highly Transmissible

A new group of COVID-19 variants, named FLiRT, is spreading across the United States. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), KP.2 and KP.1.1 are currently the dominant strains in the US, making up about 32% of all COVID-19 cases.

FLiRT variants appear to be highly transmissible, with symptoms similar to those caused by previous strains of COVID-19. These symptoms include sore throat, cough, fatigue, congestion, runny nose, headache, muscle aches, fever or chills, new loss of sense of taste or smell, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Viruses constantly change through mutation and sometimes these mutations result in a new variant that may spread more easily. The CDC notes that such changes are to be expected and can make the virus harder to stop.

It's important to note that while the symptoms of COVID-19 caused by FLiRT variants may be similar to those caused by previous strains, individuals who are more vulnerable, such as older adults or those with underlying health conditions, may experience more severe symptoms.

The CDC recommends staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters to help protect against the virus. Additionally, practicing good hygiene habits such as washing hands frequently and wearing masks in public places can help reduce the risk of infection.

Sources: [1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). COVID-19 Variants: What You Need to Know. Retrieved May 15, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/index.html [2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). COVID-19 Symptoms by Age and Sex. Retrieved May 15, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html


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Confidence

85%

Doubts
  • Are there any studies or peer-reviewed research that specifically confirm the name 'FLiRT' for these variants?
  • What is the exact percentage of cases caused by KP.2 and KP.1.1 in comparison to other strains?

Sources

87%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

New 'FLiRT' COVID-19 Variants Are Responsible For 25% Of Infections

AOL News Sydney Wingfield Thursday, 09 May 2024 06:12
  • Unique Points
    • From April 14 through April 27, FLiRT variants made up about 25% of Covid cases in the US
    • FLiRT variants (KP.2 and KP.1.1) are descendants of JN.1.11.1 and part of the Omicron family
    • Symptoms of COVID-19 FLiRT include: fever or chills, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea
    • Those who are more vulnerable to getting sick during a spring or summer surge may benefit from the new monoclonal antibody Pemgarda
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (50%)
    The article is deceptive in its omission of the fact that the FLiRT variants are not officially recognized by WHO or CDC and are a misnomer. The author also presents the claims from the CDC as facts without providing any peer-reviewed studies to support them.
    • The article refers to
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains inflammatory rhetoric and appeals to authority. It also presents dichotomous depictions by contrasting the FLiRT variants with previous ones.
    • . . . it's now the dominant variant in the United State, out numbering JN.1, the variant that spread all over the world throughout the winter, according to CDC research.
    • With warm weather finally within reach . . .
    • Unfortunately, a COVID-19 test won't tell you exactly which variant is responsible for your infection.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

97%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

COVID-19 variants called ‘FLiRT’ continue to spread across the US, CDC says

KSAT News Site Analysis Tool Spencer Heath Wednesday, 08 May 2024 02:48
  • Unique Points
    • A new group of COVID-19 variants, named FLiRT, is spreading across the United States.
    • FLiRT variants have changes in spike protein which could potentially make SARS-CoV-2 take over a person’s body more effectively.
    • COVID-19 remains a public health threat and individuals over the age of 65 are recommended to receive another dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy and inflammatory rhetoric. It also uses a dichotomous depiction of the situation.
    • . . . FLiRT has some alarming features, such as changes in spike protein, which assist SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 to take over a person's body.
    • The KP.2 variant could potentially be more dangerous than previous variants of COVID-19.
    • It is recommended that individuals over the age of 65 receive another dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

99%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

2 new COVID variants called ‘FLiRT’ are spreading: What are the symptoms?

Alabama Comprehensive Media Monday, 06 May 2024 12:36
  • Unique Points
    • New COVID variants named FLiRT are circulating in the US and are now the dominant strains.
    • FLiRT variants KP.2 and KP.1.1 are highly transmissible.
    • Symptoms of COVID-19 caused by FLiRT variants include sore throat, cough, fatigue, congestion, runny nose, headache, muscle aches, fever or chills, new loss of sense of taste or smell, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
    • Viruses constantly change through mutation and sometimes these mutations result in a new variant that may spread more easily or make it resistant to treatments or vaccines.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

85%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

FLiRT COVID-19 Variants Are Spreading: What to Know About KP.2 and KP.1.1 Strains

Prevention Korin Miller Tuesday, 07 May 2024 12:30
  • Unique Points
    • FLiRT COVID-19 variants, KP.2 and KP.1.1, are spreading in the US.
    • KP.2 is now the dominant variant in the US., making up nearly 25% of COVID-19 cases.
    • KP.2 may be less infectious but more immune evasive than previous variants.
  • Accuracy
    • Symptoms of COVID-19 FLiRT include: fever or chills, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache.
    • Staying up to date with booster shots can provide some protection against the FLiRT variant.
    • Those who are more vulnerable to getting sick during a spring or summer surge may benefit from the new monoclonal antibody Pemgarda.
  • Deception (50%)
    The article provides information on the FLiRT COVID-19 variants KP.2 and KP.1.1 without implying any specific facts about their danger or impact, allowing the reader to make informed decisions based on expert opinions provided in the text. However, it does not disclose sources for these expert opinions which would have made the article more transparent.
    • The current COVID vaccine may not protect against them as well as previous variants.
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

99%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

2 new COVID variants called 'FLiRT' are spreading in the U.S. What are the symptoms?

Entertainment Variety Tv Site: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv-site/ Caroline Kee Thursday, 09 May 2024 06:18
  • Unique Points
    • Two new COVID variants, nicknamed FLiRT, are circulating in the United States and include KP.2 and KP.1.1.
    • KP.2 is currently the dominant strain in the U.S., accounting for one in four infections nationwide.
    • FLiRT variants are descendants of JN.1.11.1 and were initially detected in wastewater samples across the country.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication