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August 30, 2024

Covid-19: Summer 2024 Update

Covid-19: Summer 2024 Update

Understanding the Current State of COVID-19 in Ontario and Canada: The Rise of the FLiRT Variants


Canada has seen a notable decline in COVID-19 cases over the past year, but recent developments have introduced a new twist to the pandemic narrative.  A family of new subvariants, informally dubbed the 'FLiRT' variants, has emerged, prompting updates and new considerations for public health. Here’s a detailed look at the current situation:


The Rise of the FLiRT Variants:



On June 10, 2024, Public Health Ontario released an update on the latest COVID-19 variant developments in their SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Surveillance report (https://www.publichealthontario.ca/). Among the new variants, one particular strain within the FLiRT family, known as KP.2, is rapidly becoming dominant in Canada.


Key Details About KP.2:


  • Origin and Mutation: KP.2 is a subvariant of the Omicron JN.1 strain, which previously caused a surge in cases last winter. This variant features additional mutations in the virus’s spike protein, which may impact its behavior and transmission.
  • Prevalence: As of April 28, 2024, KP.2 accounted for approximately 26.6% of all COVID-19 cases in Canada, overtaking other JN.1 subvariants in prevalence.
  • Name Significance: The FLiRT name derives from specific amino acid changes in the virus's spike protein: phenylalanine (F) replaces leucine (L), and arginine (R) is replaced by threonine (T). The “I” in FLiRT was added to make the name more pronounceable and memorable.


Global Context:


The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that KP.2 began spreading globally in January 2024. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this variant now represents over 28% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. There are concerns that cases may rise during the summer months, with a more significant surge anticipated in the fall and winter. For more details, you can check the CDC COVID Data Tracker (https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home).


Symptoms of the FLiRT Variants:


  • Sore Throat
  • Body Aches
  • Cough
  • Runny Nose
  • Shortness of Breath (especially in unvaccinated individuals or those who were infected a long time ago)


Although the FLiRT variants may have enhanced abilities to evade immune defenses, individuals who are vaccinated or have previously been infected with COVID-19 are generally expected to experience only mild symptoms. However, staying informed and updating your vaccinations remains crucial to ensure continued protection

Given the evolving nature of the virus, receiving an updated vaccine can help protect you from the newer strains and reduce the risk of severe illness.


Staying Informed and Prepared:


With the emergence of the FLiRT variants and potential for increased case numbers, it is essential to stay informed through reliable sources and follow public health recommendations. Regular updates on COVID-19 and vaccination will help ensure you are well-protected against the latest developments.


For further information and updates, refer to Public Health Ontario, the CDC, and other trusted health organizations.


Source:


A Mayo Clinic virologist explains FLiRT and why you may need a new COVID-19 vaccination - Mayo Clinic News Network (https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/a-mayo-clinic-virologist-explains-flirt-and-why-you-may-need-a-new-covid-19-vaccination/)


Source: ‘FLiRT’ COVID-19 subvariant dominant in Canada. What to know about the strain - National | Globalnews.ca (https://globalnews.ca/news/10482978/flirt-covid-subvariants-canada-what-to-know/)


What to Know About the ‘FLiRT’ Variants of COVID-19 | The Transmission | University of Nebraska Medical Center (unmc.edu) (https://www.unmc.edu/healthsecurity/transmission/2024/05/01/what-to-know-about-the-flirt-variants-of-covid-19/)


3 Things to Know About FLiRT, the New Coronavirus Strains > News > Yale Medicine

SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Surveillance in Ontario, June 10, 2024 (publichealthontario.ca) (https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/3-things-to-know-about-flirt-new-coronavirus-strains)


SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Surveillance in Ontario, June 10, 2024 (publichealthontario.ca) (https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/Documents/nCoV/epi/covid-19-sars-cov2-whole-genome-sequencing-epi-summary.pdf?rev=6c3782b4277a4b3fad5229ed5d1cb95b&sc_lang=en)


How to best protect yourself from the latest Covid-19 variants:


While Ontario, like other jurisdictions, have taken measures to be able to live with and manage COVID-19 for the long-term, we still need to do our part to protect ourselves and others, especially during respiratory illness season, such as the fall and winter months.


This includes using the layers of protection that we know help keep ourselves and others healthy:


  • staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines and flu shots
  • wearing a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask in indoor public settings, especially if you are at higher risk of severe infection
  • visitors and patients should follow any requirements for masking in hospitals, long-term care homes, and other health care spaces
  • staying home when you are sick and wearing a mask until day 10 from symptom onset
  • washing your hands often
  • covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze
  • regularly cleaning high touch surfaces
  • optimizing indoor air quality
  • if you are high risk, talk to your health care provider about antiviral treatment options (https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-testing-and-treatment#section-5) in case you get sick


For more information on how to protect yourself and others, read Public Health Ontario’s fact sheet (https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/Documents/R/2023/respiratory-viruses-protect-yourself.pdf)


Current Recommendations from Ontario.ca’s:


COVID-19 vaccinations remain a critical tool in safeguarding against the severe outcomes of COVID-19 infection, such as hospitalization and death. While vaccines may not always prevent symptomatic infections, they significantly reduce the severity of illness and the risk of developing post COVID-19 conditions, commonly known as long COVID. Here’s what you need to know about who can get vaccinated and when to schedule your doses.


Who Is Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccination?


In Ontario, COVID-19 vaccines are available to everyone aged 6 months and older at no cost. This is true regardless of citizenship, immigration status, or whether you possess an Ontario health card. If you do not have an Ontario health card, you can still receive a vaccine using alternative forms of identification, such as:


  • Photo Identification (if aged 18 or older): Driver’s license, Ontario photo card, or passport.
  • Additional Forms of ID: A piece of registered mail, pay stub, student card, library card, or government-issued ID from other jurisdictions (including expired documents).


When Should You Get Your Next Dose?


For optimal protection, it is generally recommended to wait until fall 2024 to receive your next COVID-19 vaccine dose, unless directed otherwise by your healthcare provider. This timing is intended to ensure you are well-protected during the peak circulation of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. Keep an eye on updates for specific vaccine recommendations as the fall season approaches.


Vaccination Recommendations Based on Prior Doses


  • Infants and Children (6 months to 4 years): Those with no prior COVID-19 vaccinations should receive a 2- or 3-dose series of an XBB formulation. Vaccine administrators will provide guidance on the interval between doses.
  • People Aged 5 Years and Older: Individuals with no prior COVID-19 vaccinations need only 1 dose of an XBB formulation.
  • Immunocompromised Individuals: Those moderately to severely immunocompromised who have not been previously vaccinated are recommended to receive 1 additional dose compared to the general recommendations.


Considerations for Immunocompromised Individuals


If you are immunocompromised, the timing of your COVID-19 vaccinations may vary based on your specific health condition and treatment plan. It is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice. Particularly, if you have undergone a hematopoietic stem cell transplant, a hematopoietic cell transplant (autologous or allogeneic), or CAR-T-cell therapy, your immunity may be compromised, and re-vaccination might be necessary.


Combining COVID-19 Vaccines with Other Vaccinations


You can receive the COVID-19 vaccine simultaneously with, or at any time before or after, other routine vaccinations. There is no need to space them out.


Consulting with Your Healthcare Provider


You should contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, especially if:


  • You are immunocompromised due to disease or treatment.
  • You have experienced a severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine or have allergies to vaccine components.


If You’ve Had COVID-19


Even if you have previously contracted COVID-19, vaccination is still recommended. Infection alone offers some protection, but combining this with vaccination enhances your immune response and helps prevent reinfection. Remember, even if you’ve recovered from COVID-19, you can still contract the virus again, spread it to others, and potentially experience severe outcomes.


How to Get Vaccinated:


While there are a few mass vaccination clinics left the majority can now obtained at your local pharmacy.  To get a list of pharmacies in your area, please use the pharmacy locator offered by Ontario.ca at participating pharmacies (https://www.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations/)


Source: COVID‑19 vaccines | ontario.ca (https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-vaccines#section-6)


Protection from COVID‑19 and other respiratory illnesses | ontario.ca (https://www.ontario.ca/page/protection-covid-19-and-other-respiratory-illnesses#section-2)

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