What is ‘FLiRT’ COVID? Scientists predict spike of new coronavirus variants – The National Desk

What is 'FLiRT' COVID? Scientists predict spike of new coronavirus variants

by JACKSON WALKER | The National Desk

Dr. Terri Tiersky poses for a portrait in full personal protective equipment, double mask, face shield, gown and gloves, at her dentist office in Skokie, Ill., on Friday, June 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

WASHINGTON (TND)

Scientists are forecasting a rise in coronavirus cases throughout May as a new set of variants emerge, according to disease researcher Eric Topol.

The variants, known as FLiRT, are distinguished by mutations in the diseases spike proteins. These proteins help viruses attach to surfaces and are one of the factors behind the infectious nature of COVID-19.

FliRT variants have mutations in areas designated F for L and R for T, Topol wrote via Substack. While these variants could lead to a rise in cases of COVID-19, Topol, who is a professor of molecular medicine at Scripps Research, explained the public has little to fear.

Continuing, Topol noted high-risk individuals should remain aware of , but not worried about, the new variants.

Covids not going away, but I dont think there is a significant short-term threat of the emerging FLiRT variants, he wrote. High-risk people should continue to take precautions, keeping up with boosters, and all forms of protection. Even if FLiRT doesnt kick in, theres plenty more ways that SARS-CoV2 can reinvent itself and find new ways or better ways to evade our immune response.

The CDC did not respond to a request for comment from The National Desk Friday.

How the government responded to the initial outbreak of COVID-19 remains a hot-button issue on Capitol Hill. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., suggested in April Dr. Anthony Fauci conspired with an organization researching coronaviruses to hide its loss of government funding.

"To a lot of us looking at it, it looks like a cover-up," Sen. Paul reportedly said.

Follow Jackson Walker on X at @_jlwalker_ for the latest trending national news. Have a news tip? Send it to jacwalker@sbgtv.com.

See original here:

What is 'FLiRT' COVID? Scientists predict spike of new coronavirus variants - The National Desk

Related Posts
Tags: