A new family of COVID variants known as “FLiRT” is causing concern as it spreads throughout the country, with the KP.2 variant accounting for a significant portion of recent cases. Despite having similar symptoms and severity to previous strains, FLiRT variants are more transmissible, leading experts like Dr. Robert Murphy to emphasize the importance of vaccination.
In Chicago, virologists like Hannah Barbian are closely monitoring the spread of these variants, with the KP.2 variant already detected in the city. However, low vaccination rates remain a major concern, with only 16% of Chicago residents being up to date on their vaccinations. City officials believe that the actual vaccination rates may be higher than reported based on National Immunization Survey data.
Dr. Elizabeth McNally from Northwestern University stresses the need for older individuals and those with weakened immune systems to get vaccinated to protect themselves from the virus. Despite the emergence of new variants, COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths are on the decline in Chicago and nationwide.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended an updated vaccine for individuals 65 and older, but the impact of these new variants remains uncertain due to limited testing. The decrease in hospitalizations and deaths is attributed to increased immunity from both natural infection and vaccination, indicating progress in the fight against COVID-19. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for the public to stay informed and prioritize getting vaccinated to protect themselves and others from the virus.
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