FLiRTing with COVID: Are We Out of the Woods Yet?
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Abstract
The ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2 continues to challenge our perception of a post-pandemic world. In 2024-2025, a new group of Omicron subvariants informally known as the "FLiRT" variants, including KP.2 and KP.1.1-has emerged as the dominant strain in several countries. These variants are defined by key spike protein mutations, such as F456L, which may enhance transmissibility and enable partial immune escape. This poster explores the emergence, mutation profile, and clinical relevance of the FLiRT variants, with an emphasis on their potential impact on public health response, vaccine effectiveness, and treatment protocols. Drawing from current data and evolving surveillance reports, the project evaluates how these subvariants differ from earlier strains and what their rise may signal for the future of COVID-19 management. Are we truly out of the woods, or is the path ahead still uncertain?