About

• KP.2 is a descendant of the JN.1 variant of the virus. 
• It is a sub-variant of the Omicron lineage with new mutations. 
• It is nicknamed as FLiRT. It is based on the letters representing two immune escape mutations that allow the virus to evade antibodies.
  • These two mutations on the spike protein disrupt the major sites on the spike protein where antibodies bind and neutralise the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These mutations allow the virus to escape antibodies.

Can KP.2 cause severe disease?

• FLiRT is characterised by its ability to evade immunity from vaccines and previous infections. Its symptoms are similar to those of earlier variants, including fever, cough, fatigue, and digestive issues.
• The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that there are currently no indicators suggesting that KP.2 would cause more severe illness than other strains.
• FLiRT has a heightened transmission rate and, like its parent JN.1, it is likely to drive a wave of infections. Also, the infections are likely to spread silently, because without severe symptoms, most people are unlikely to get themselves tested.

Who is vulnerable?

• Research indicates that adults aged 60 and older, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or cancer, are more likely to experience severe and potentially fatal Covid-19 infections compared to other age groups.
• People who are 65 and older, or immunocompromised, and pregnant women are the most vulnerable.

Symptoms of KP.2 infection

• This variant mainly affects the upper respiratory tract. 
• Those affected report fever or chills, cough, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, headache, muscle aches, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, brain fog, feeling less wakeful and aware, and gastro-intestinal symptoms including upset stomach, mild diarrhoea, and vomiting.

Prevention

• Preventive measures are the same as the ones that have been advised since the beginning of the Covid outbreak four years ago. 
  • Social distancing and the use of well-fitting respirators like N95s or KN95s in indoor public settings protect against all variants of the Covid-19 virus.
  • Increased air flow and filtration in indoor spaces also help reduce the concentration of virus particles. Vulnerable groups and those living in areas where the infection is in circulation should be especially careful.
  • Most Covid-19 vaccines available in India are aimed at the original variant of the virus, so additional shots are unlikely to help.

Sources

• https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-health/new-flirt-covid-variant-kp-symptoms-9328759/