California is seeing an earlier than expected surge in COVID-19 cases this summer according to Los Angeles Time, driven by a new family of Omicron subvariants nicknamed “FLiRT.” As coronavirus levels rise in wastewater across the state and more people test positive, doctors are urging precautions especially for those at higher risk. In this article we talk about Rising COVID Numbers in California Linked to Dominant FLiRT Subvariants.
The FLiRT Subvariants: Overtaking Previous Strains
The FLiRT subvariants – officially known as KP.2, KP.3, and KP.1.1 – are highly mutated offshoots of the XBB.1.5 Omicron strain that dominated this past winter. In just the last month, they have rapidly increased their share of COVID cases in the United States from 20% to over 50%.
Their enhanced ability to evade immunity from previous infections and vaccines is allowing the FLiRT variants to outcompete other strains circulating. This increased immune evasiveness means more reinfections of people recently recovered and breakthrough infections in the vaccinated and boosted.
Early Signs of a COVID Surge in California
While COVID cases had been declining earlier in spring, recent data indicates the virus is rebounding across California:
- Statewide, the COVID test positivity rate has doubled from 1.9% in late April to 3.8% currently.
- Wastewater monitoring is showing increased viral loads, with some areas like Santa Clara County reaching “high” levels.
- Major medical systems like Kaiser Permanente Southern California and UCSF are reporting rising numbers of outpatient COVID cases and hospitalizations for viral pneumonia.
“We’re certainly seeing a bit of a small increase. And this is all due to the so-called FLiRT variants,” said Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, regional infectious disease chief at Kaiser Permanente Southern California.
In Los Angeles County, COVID cases have ticked up in recent days, though numbers remain relatively low compared to past surges. Health officials caution it’s too early to determine if this uptick will become a sustained wave.
Protecting At-Risk Groups as COVID Rebounds
With summer travel and gatherings increasing viral spread, doctors are emphasizing the importance of updated COVID boosters, especially for seniors and those with weakened immune systems who face highest risk of severe disease.
In California, only 36% of seniors have received the bivalent booster reformulated for the Omicron variant. The CDC recommends these updated boosters for everyone 6 months and older.
“We are still seeing individuals hospitalized, and based on CDC data…more than 95% of those hospitalized had not received the updated booster,” said Los Angeles County health officials.
Studies show the updated boosters restore waning immunity and provide greater protection against COVID illness versus no booster.
“By getting your booster now, you’re really going to give yourself protection to make it through this likely summer wave,” advised Dr. Hudson.
While less severe than earlier in the pandemic for most people, COVID can still lead to serious outcomes like hospitalization and long COVID – prolonged, debilitating symptoms like fatigue, breathing issues, and nervous system impacts.
“Long COVID really makes things different,” Hudson said. “COVID is not just a flu or a cold.”
Preparing for the Summer COVID Upswing
As COVID cases rise driven by the highly immune-evasive FLiRT subvariants, doctors recommend several precautions:
Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccines: Getting an updated bivalent booster now offers the best defense against infection and severe illness through this anticipated summer surge. Those 65+ should consider the recommended second booster dose.
Test & Treat Early: Test promptly with any symptoms and test repeatedly if negative at first. Have a plan to quickly access antivirals like Paxlovid if at high risk and test positive.
Mask Wisely: While not necessary for most situations currently, consider masking in crowded indoor areas with poor ventilation and many unmasked people, especially if at high COVID risk.
Avoid Exposure: Limit contact with anyone symptomatic and potentially contagious. Even “mild colds” could be COVID.
Though much-improved from earlier pandemic waves, COVID hospitalizations and deaths continue at a significant rate nationally. An early summer COVID surge would be an unwelcome setback as the world tries to move past years of viral disruption.
By taking sensible precautions like updated boosters, early testing, and temporary masking in high-risk situations, we can hopefully limit the FLiRT subvariants’ impact and enjoy a summer free of major viral disruptions. I sincerely hope you find this “Rising COVID Numbers in California Linked to Dominant FLiRT Subvariants-Find Out Details” article helpful.
Ruby Arora is the lead writer at LosAngelesDailyNews.net, where she brings her extensive expertise in journalism and communications to cover Los Angeles’ vibrant culture and breaking news. Ruby holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and has a track record of delivering insightful and accurate stories. Connect with her on Instagram and YouTube for more updates and behind-the-scenes content.
