New coronavirus variant raises concerns for summer
There has been renewed talk of two new coronavirus variants, either of which can cause a persistent cough or sore throat that won’t go away, according to The Independent.
Scientists have warned of the potential for widespread transmission of the FLiRT and LB.1 variants during the summer, as increased travel and major events such as festivals often lead to crowded places where the virus can spread more easily, especially since there are no longer any legal restrictions such as wearing protective masks or social distancing.
Dr. Maryam Malik, a general practitioner, says that the FLiRT and LB.1 variants can evade immunity, because the FLiRT variant contains specific changes to the spike protein, which makes vaccinated people vulnerable to infection. “Likewise, the LB.1 variant has mutations that help it spread and may weaken the protection the body gets from previous immunity, making these variants different from previous versions of the virus.
The symptoms of the Flirt and LB.1 variants are generally similar to those of previous COVID-19 strains and include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Feeling unwell and tired
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Muscle or body aches
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Runny nose.
Doctors generally recommend following key steps when exposed to the infection, as follows:
- Self-isolate
- Use over-the-counter treatments
- Rest and stay hydrated
- Seek medical help if symptoms worsen
As for ways to prevent infection with the new strains, Dr. Malik advises keeping up with vaccinations and booster shots. Regular hand washing also helps prevent the spread of the virus.
The World Health Organization announced on Friday that COVID-19 is still killing about 1,700 people a week worldwide, calling on those most at risk At risk of infection to continue receiving the vaccine against the virus.
The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warned of the danger of waning protection through vaccines, saying that "WHO recommends that people in high-risk groups receive the Covid-19 vaccine within 12 months of their last dose."
The World Health Organization has reported more than 7 million deaths from the coronavirus, although the true toll of the pandemic is believed to be much higher.
