What you need to know about the new ‘FliRT’ coronavirus variant, according to a doctor

Be inspired by a weekly summary on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN’s Life, But Better newsletter for news and tools designed to improve your well-being..

CNN
—

There is a new variant of the coronavirus in town. KP.2, a member of the so-called FliRT variants, nicknamed after their mutations, has become the dominant coronavirus strain in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These FliRT variants have some mutations in common but are still part of the Omicron family of coronavirus.

For the period April 28 to May 11, almost 30% of new cases were caused by KP.2, compared to less than 16% in the previous two weeks.

What do you need to know about this new variant? What are the symptoms of an infection? Are the vaccines still effective against the new strain? Is a home test always reliable? How long should people self-isolate if they get KP.2? Who should take antiviral treatments if they contract this type of Covid-19? And what are the guidelines for immunocompromised people: should they start masking again?

To guide us through these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University. She previously served as Baltimore’s health commissioner.

CNN: What do you need to know about this new variant, KP.2?

Dr. Leana Wen: Since the start of Covid-19, we have been discussing new variants. The original strain of the virus has been replaced by the Alpha variant. Then we had Beta, then Delta and finally Omicron.

KP.2 is part of the Omicron family. It appears to replace JN.1 and similar subvariants, which were previously the dominant variants in the United States.

Each time a new variant appears, three key questions arise: is it more contagious? Does this cause more serious illness? And do existing vaccines and treatments work?

One reason a new strain replaces previously dominant strains is because it is just as contagious, if not more so. This means that KP.2 could spread very easily, which is something we have seen throughout Covid-19: the coronavirus is extremely contagious and therefore difficult to avoid.

The good news is that KP.2 does not appear to cause more serious illness. Indeed, hospitalizations linked to Covid-19 are at their lowest. And there is no reason to believe that existing vaccines and treatments would cease to work against this scourge.

CNN: What are the symptoms of KP.2 infection?

Magnifying glass: Most people who contract the coronavirus will never know which variant is causing their symptoms. Symptoms of Covid-19 infection include runny nose, sore throat, headache, fever, cough and body aches. Some people may have more serious symptoms, such as shortness of breath. Covid-19 could also exacerbate underlying conditions such as heart failure.

None of these symptoms are specific to KP.2, which so far has not been associated with unique symptoms that distinguish it from other coronavirus infections. It’s important to remember that for many people, the symptoms of Covid-19 may be difficult to differentiate from those of other viral infections, such as the flu or the common cold.

CNN: Is a home test still reliable?

Magnifying glass: Rapid at-home antigen tests are a simple and convenient method of screening for Covid-19, although they are not as reliable or accurate as laboratory-based PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests. There is no indication that at-home testing is any less effective at detecting this new variant compared to previous variants.

I recommend people get a home test if they have symptoms and might be eligible for antiviral treatment. If someone is really worried about having Covid-19, they can take multiple at-home tests on different days and also consider taking a PCR test.

CNN: Do existing vaccines work against KP.2? What about the vaccine that should be released in the fall?

Magnifying glass: Existing vaccines are still expected to have activity against KP.2. The CDC issued guidance recommending a second shot of the vaccine, first released in fall 2023, for people 65 and older.

Federal health officials are expected to recommend a newly formulated version of the Covid-19 vaccine in the fall. The new vaccines are expected to be different from current vaccines in that the latest vaccines will target variants expected to be in circulation during the fall and winter. If health officials predict that KP.2 will be one of these variants, fall vaccines will likely be even more effective against KP.2.

CNN: How long should people self-isolate if they contract Covid-19?

Magnifying glass: Earlier this year, the CDC dropped its five-day isolation requirement. Now, the agency recommends that people diagnosed with Covid-19 stay home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours and their symptoms improve. Over the next five days, they should still try to take extra precautions such as wearing a mask and limiting close contact with others.

CNN: Who should take antiviral treatments if they get Covid-19?

Magnifying glass: People at high risk of developing severe illness from Covid-19 should consider antiviral treatments. This high-risk category includes older adults, immunocompromised people, and those with serious underlying medical conditions.

There are two oral medications available, as well as an injection of a third antiviral. I advise everyone to ask their healthcare provider to determine whether they should take antiviral treatment if they contract the coronavirus, and if so, which one and how to access it.