The CDC has been tracking two new COVID-19 variants since the start of 2024, according to Nexstar.
Dr. Douglas Kwock, from Hawaii Pacific Health, stopped by Wake Up 2Day to discuss what these new variants mean for the summer season.
“The FLiRT variant is becoming the more predominant strain in our community but we have not seen an increase in the hospitalization and we have not seen an increase in the severity of illness caused by the FLiRT variant. So we think weʻre okay with the new variant,” Dr. Kwock said.
It is anticipated that the current COVID vaccine will be effective with FLiRT since the newest vaccine was designed specifically for omicron, which FLiRT is a variant of.
At-home tests should be able to detect the FLiRT variant, according to Dr. Kwock.
Preventive measures to protect yourself during the summer travel season are: washing your hands, good cough hygiene and respiratory etiquette, staying home if you feel sick, wearing a mask, and up-to-date vaccinations.