Rising 'FLiRT' COVID-19 Variants Now Dominate U.S. Infections

New subvariants KP.2 and KP.1.1, known as FLiRT, are more transmissible but not more severe, with vaccines still effective.

FLiRT variants, increasing in prevalence, now constitute over a third of U.S. COVID-19 cases.
Despite their rapid spread, FLiRT variants do not show signs of causing more severe illness compared to previous strains.
Vaccination remains a key defense, with current vaccines maintaining efficacy against these new variants.
Health experts emphasize continued vigilance and vaccination, especially for at-risk populations.
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