About FLiRT Variants:
- KP.2 and KP1.1, dubbed ‘FLiRT’ variants, are descendants of the Omicron JN.1 which spread globally over the winter last year.
- Features
- The variants appear to outstrip their ancestor and other Omicron variants. KP.2 is the more dominant strain of the two and it is believed to leap past immunity built up from vaccines and previous infections.
- The FLiRT’ variants are descendants of the JN.1 variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with two new added spike mutations.
- How does it spreads? This variant spreads via respiratory droplets of the person to others, or touching infected surfaces such as faucets, furniture, elevator buttons etc.
- Symptoms of FLiRT
- The symptoms of the new variant are similar to those of other Omicron subvariants: sore throat, cough, nausea, congestion, fatigue, headache, muscle or body ache, loss of taste or smell.
- Prevention: Vaccination and preventive measures are advised to curb the spread.
Q1: What is Omicron BF. 7?
Omicron BF. 7 is the latest sub-variant of the Omicron variant, first detected in Northwest China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.It is also known as the ‘Omicron spawn’.
Source: All about FLiRT, the new COVID-19 variants | Explained
Last updated on June, 2026
→ UPSC Prelims Provisional Answer Key 2026 out for GS Paper 1 and CSAT.
→ UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2026 Out, Download GS Paper 1 PDF conducted on 24th May 2026.
→ UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted from 21st August 2026 onwards, and UPSC Prelims 2027 will be held on 23rd May 2027.
→ Prepare effectively with Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Prelims Test Series 2027 featuring full-length mock tests, detailed solutions, and performance analysis.
→ UPSC Final Result 2025 is now out.
→ UPSC has released UPSC Toppers List 2025 with the Civil Services final result on its official website.
→ Anuj Agnihotri secured AIR 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025.
→ UPSC Notification 2026 & UPSC IFoS Notification 2026 is now out on the official website at upsconline.nic.in.
→ UPSC Calendar 2027 has been released.
→ Check out the latest UPSC Syllabus 2026 here.
→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.
→ Enroll in Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mains Test Series 2026 for structured answer writing practice, expert evaluation, and exam-oriented feedback.
→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s Best UPSC Mentorship Program for personalized guidance, strategy planning, and one-to-one support from experienced mentors.
→ Shakti Dubey secures AIR 1 in UPSC CSE Exam 2024.
→ Also check Best UPSC Coaching in India
