The U.S. is experiencing a summer surge of COVID cases with emergency room visits and deaths from the virus all increasing.
The latest figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show emergency room visits increased more than 23% from June 16 to June 22 and death due to COVID was up 14.3% in recent weeks. The percent of all U.S. deaths from COVID remains low, however, at 0.8%, and all indicators remain far below past surges.
Experts attribute the upswing to a growth in FLiRT variants, which include KP.3, KP.2 and KP.1.1 or any others starting with KP or JN. FLiRT variants, all part of the omicron line, are the dominant variants across the U.S. with two – KP.3 and KP.2 – accounting for more than 50% of all current cases.
Such mutations are to be expected, the CDC pointed out.
“Viruses constantly change through mutation and sometimes these mutations result in a new variant of the virus. Some changes and mutations allow the virus to spread more easily or make it resistant to treatments or vaccines. As the virus spreads, it may change and become harder to stop,” the agency said on its website.
What is the No. 1 symptom?
While FLiRT variants do not appear to cause more serious illness, there does appear to be one symptom that is the most common. Sore throats are reported by more people who test positive for FLiRT variants.
“Unfortunately one of the most common COVID symptoms currently seems to be a sore throat with or without a mild fever,” infectious disease specialist Dr. Andreas M. Kogelnik, MD, PhD., told Parade. “I say unfortunately because—of course—a sore throat can be attributed to many different causes.”
Other COVID symptoms are similar to those reported with previous variants:
- Body aches
- Chills
- Congestion
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- New loss of taste or smell
Current CDC guidance recommends people isolate until their symptoms are improving and fever is gone without the use of medication for at least 24 hours. After that, it’s recommended people take extra precautions for the next five days.
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