Just when you thought that our bodies have become immune to COVID variants, due to vaccination and exposure to the ancestral variants of the coronavirus, you might be wrong. Few red flags of the new COVID variants have been discussed by Dr. Xand van Tulleken on BBC Morning Live and it is important to know them.
The expert has shared a list of symptoms and warning signs which should not be ignored and when seen one should immediately see a doctor.
Symptoms of COVID
Dr. Xand van Tulleken has listed several symptoms of new COVID variants, FLiRT and LB.1: fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, muscle or body aches, shortness of breath, headache and runny nose.
Other symptoms of COVID you need to be careful about are chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing up blood and swollen and painful neck.
The doctor suggests not ignoring the cough. "A cough is such a difficult symptom because everyone has had it. We all clear our throats all the time, we've all had coughs and colds that go away very routinely. And yet often in telly dramas and movies, a cough is seen as a precursor to something sinister, and so it can be a symptom that people worry about but don't really feel that they are entitled to go to the GP," he said on the show.
Concerns around FLiRT and LB.1 is rising
Mutations of the Omicron sub variants are increasing. Two variants FLiRT and LB.1 are spreading faster, especially in the US.
These variants, like others before them, possess unique mutations that can potentially impact transmission rates, severity of illness, and effectiveness of vaccines. FLiRT, for instance, has been closely monitored due to mutations in its spike protein, which could potentially affect how easily it spreads or evades immune responses.
As per the data released by the US CDC, by early June FLiRT strains were responsible for over 60% of COVID cases.
As these variants continue to evolve and spread, there is a heightened urgency for robust surveillance, genomic sequencing, and public health measures to monitor their spread and adapt strategies accordingly.
How to stay safe?
To stay safe from COVID-19, it's important to prioritize a combination of preventive measures that protect both yourself and others. Start by getting vaccinated against COVID-19 if eligible, as vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Wear a mask in crowded or indoor settings, especially if you're unvaccinated or in areas with high transmission rates. Practice frequent handwashing with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Maintain physical distance from people outside your household, especially in crowded places or where ventilation is poor. Avoid large gatherings or events, particularly in areas with high COVID-19 transmission.
Monitor your health regularly and get tested if you experience symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who tested positive. By taking these steps, you can help protect yourself from COVID.
