The NHS has issued an urgent five-day coronavirus alert as a new cluster of variants, nicknamed 'FLiRT', spreads rapidly across the United Kingdom. Health officials are urging particular caution among vulnerable groups as hospital admissions begin to climb.
What We Know About the New FLiRT Variants
The newly identified FLiRT strains, scientifically known as KP.2 and KP.3, are descendants of the JN.1 Omicron variant that dominated winter cases. These mutations appear to be more transmissible than previous strains, though early data suggests they may not cause more severe illness.
Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England's national medical director, confirmed: "We're seeing a steady rise in Covid cases driven by these new variants. While the impact remains significantly lower than during the pandemic's peak, we cannot afford to be complacent."
Updated Symptoms to Watch For
The NHS has highlighted several key symptoms associated with the new variants:
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Headache
- Fatigue
Notably, the traditional symptoms of loss of taste and smell appear less common with these new strains.
Protection Measures and Vulnerable Groups
Health officials are particularly concerned about elderly residents and those with compromised immune systems. The NHS recommends:
- Ensure Covid and flu vaccinations are up to date
- Practice good hand hygiene
- Consider wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces
- Stay home if experiencing symptoms
Those eligible for spring Covid boosters are being urged to book appointments immediately. The vaccination programme has been extended to include all adults over 75, residents in care homes, and individuals aged 6 months and over with weakened immune systems.
Current Situation and Projections
While exact case numbers are challenging to track since the end of universal testing, wastewater monitoring and hospital admissions data indicate a clear upward trend. The NHS is preparing for potential increased pressure on services over the coming weeks.
"We're not expecting a return to the dark days of the pandemic," assured Professor Powis, "but even modest increases can significantly impact our already stretched health services."
The health service continues to monitor the situation closely and will update guidance as more data becomes available about these evolving variants.
