The British newspaper "Mirror" reported that scientific studies have confirmed the existence of a new strain of the coronavirus, which is believed to be "more difficult to stop" due to its increased immunity against current vaccines. This strain is called FLiRT and is thought to account for 25% of coronavirus cases in the United States currently.
Additionally, the "Daily Star" mentioned another variant known as KP.1.1, which represents 7.5% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., amid fears of its spread worldwide.
In this context, a spokesperson for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said, "Viruses constantly change through mutations, and sometimes these mutations lead to a new kind of virus. Some changes and mutations allow the virus to spread more easily or make it resistant to treatments and vaccines. As the virus spreads, it may mutate and become difficult to stop."
Eric Topol, the vice president of the Scripps Research Institute, who is knowledgeable about new strains of the coronavirus, noted that these new strains will be responsible for a "significant increase" in illness cases.
It is worth mentioning that despite the ongoing evolution of the coronavirus, the symptoms of infection remain largely the same. They include fever, chills, persistent cough, loss of smell or taste, shortness of breath, sore throat, nasal congestion or runny nose, loss of appetite, and diarrhea.
