New Covid variant 'FLiRT' evades immune system: Experts

The new Covid-19 variant 'FLiRT' is rapidly spreading in the US, UK, New Zealand, and South Korea. It belongs to Omicron's JN.1 lineage and can evade the immune system due to amino acid substitutions. Hospitalization rates have increased, but mortality remains stable. The WHO reclassified FLiRT as a variant of interest. Experts warn of ongoing emergence of new strains. Symptoms are similar to other Omicron subvariants.