বাংলায় পড়ুন
The relentless pursuit of understanding COVID transmission has led to a new discovery in the United States. Scientists have revealed that the 'Flirt' variant has emerged from mutations of the Omicron variant.
Named 'Flirt,' some experts suggest the moniker perfectly encapsulates its rapid transmission capabilities. Stemming from mutations of the Omicron variant, specifically Omicron JN.1, Flirt has given rise to K.P. 2.0 and K.P. 1.1. The Disease Society of America explains that the name 'Flirt' is derived from the mutations that led to its creation.
Despite similarities with Omicron, Flirt exhibits distinct characteristics. Like its predecessor, Flirt presents mild symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, and extreme fatigue. Additionally, both variants result in significantly fewer hospitalisations, suggesting a lower severity compared to previous strains.
The World Health Organisation has classified Flirt as a 'Variant of Interest,' urging heightened surveillance. Medical professionals emphasise the importance of enhanced vaccination efforts to mitigate the spread and protect against emerging variants like Flirt.
However, how much of a threat does Flirt pose to our nation? Currently, rapid surges of Flirt infections have been reported in the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and South Korea.
Dr. Rajiv Gupta, Director of Internal Medicine at Delhi's C.K. Birla Hospital, notes that Flirt is currently in its nascent stages, with only minor ripples observed. Moreover, the overall mortality rate has not seen a significant increase. Therefore, the trajectory of Flirt's impact largely depends on timely interventions.
As Flirt continues to make headlines, global health authorities and governments remain vigilant, underscoring the need for proactive measures to curb its spread and protect public health.
