New FLiRT COVID variant cases expected to increase in coming months

(WAND) — According to the CDC, a new strain of COVID variants is spreading, known as the FLiRT variants. With summer and holidays approaching, this new variant spreading is a higher possibility.

Dr. Kevin Londe, a family physician at Memorial Care, said that there is usually an uptick in cases around the summer months. "Especially with the Forth of July coming up," said Dr. Londe. "You're going to be around people who are sick. Wearing a mask may not be a bad idea to prevent yourself from getting sick as well."

The FLiRT variants cause symptoms like a sore throat, runny nose, headaches, congestion, and other cold-like symptoms. "Most of it is a sinus-like reaction. Most people don't even know they have it." said Dr. Londe.

If you suspect you have the FLiRT variant, at-home COVID tests available at any local pharmacy also test for the FLiRT variant. If you test positive, the CDC still recommends an at-home quarantine for 5 to 7 days.

The CDC also recommends staying up to date on your vaccinations and boosters; not only as a preventative measure, but also a method of decreasing symptoms if you do catch COVID. "It reduces the symptoms," said Dr. Londe, "it makes the longevity instead of 5 or 7 days, it may only last 1 or 2 days because you were vaccinated."

Although the current vaccine doesn't fight the new mutation, experts are working on a more all-encompassing vaccine that will cover all known variants.