What are the FLiRT Variants?

FLiRT Variants are descendants of the Omicron JN.1 which spread globally over the winter last year.

What are the FLiRT Variants?

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

Latest UPSC Exam 2025 Updates

Last updated on November, 2025

→ Check out the latest UPSC Syllabus 2026 here.

→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s Interview Guidance Programme for expert help to crack your final UPSC stage.

UPSC Mains Result 2025 is now out.

UPSC Notification 2026 is scheduled to be released on January 14, 2026.

UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.

→ The UPSC Vacancy 2025 were released 1129, out of which 979 were for UPSC CSE and remaining 150 are for UPSC IFoS.

UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.

→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.

UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!

UPSC Prelims Result 2025 is out now for the CSE held on 25 May 2025.

UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.

UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025 and Unofficial Prelims Answer Key 2025  are available now.

UPSC Mains Question Paper 2025 is out for Essay, GS 1, 2, 3 & GS 4.

UPSC Mains Indian Language Question Paper 2025 is now out.

UPSC Mains Optional Question Paper 2025 is now out.

→ Also check Best IAS Coaching in Delhi

Vajiram Content Team
Vajiram Content Team
UPSC GS Course 2026
UPSC GS Course 2026
₹1,75,000
Enroll Now
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
₹2,45,000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mentorship Program
UPSC Mentorship Program
₹65000
Enroll Now
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
₹25000
Enroll Now
Prelims Powerup Test Series
Prelims Powerup Test Series
₹13000
Enroll Now
Enquire Now