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New COVID-19 variants have continued to emerge and experts are warning that more variants are expected to evolve as scientist and health experts continue to monitor them closely for their potential effect on further stages in future.
The COVID-19 variant BA.2.87.1 which contains over 30 mutations spike protein was first detected in South Africa in September 2023 but its sequence recorded in the global database in January 2024. For this case, scientists have stated that the normal vaccine will be used to curb this variant as they continue to monitor closely but so far it seems to have low transmission thus less impact.
Another two distinct variants are the XEC and FLiRT COVID-19 which were identified majorly in the European region in the year 2024. The first case of XEC was discovered in June 2024 in Germany. It’s Rapidly moving across Europe raising concerns due to its increased transmissibility nature especially in cold seasons compared to BA.2.87.1.
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European health authorities are monitoring it closely, but have not yet become a dominant variant worldwide. The XEC symptoms are similar to those of earlier COVID variants, including headaches, fever, cough, and headaches. There has not been a significant change in severity, but higher transmissibility could lead to increased case counts potentially dangerous.
FLiRT Variants on the other hand started spreading in the spring of 2024, becoming dominant by May 2024. These variants evolved from the Omicron lineage and are notable for their ability to evade immunity more effectively.
FLiRT variants have multiple mutations in the spike protein, making it harder for antibodies from previous infections or vaccinations to recognize them. Some of its symptoms are consistent with past variants, such as sore cough, throat, body aches, and running nose.
People who haven’t had recent vaccinations or infections are more at risk for this variant. Experts suggest updated vaccines might be necessary for effective protection against the FLiRT and XEC variants.
