As the world continues to adapt to the long-term presence of COVID-19, a new COVID variant is now spreading in the United States, raising concerns about symptoms, transmission, and health precautions. This latest strain, unofficially dubbed “FLiRT,” is part of the ever-evolving Omicron lineage. Health experts and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have noted a recent spike in cases, particularly during the summer months when respiratory viruses usually decline.
In this article, we break down everything you need to know about this new COVID variant — including its symptoms, how it compares to previous strains, who’s at risk, and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
The new COVID variant currently circulating in the U.S. is part of the Omicron family, specifically from the KP.2 and KP.3 lineages, which experts have labeled “FLiRT variants.” This group of subvariants has developed mutations that may help them evade immunity from prior infections or vaccines.
According to recent data from the CDC, KP.3 now accounts for over 25% of new COVID cases, making it the dominant variant in the U.S. as of June 2025.
The nickname “FLiRT” comes from the technical names of the mutations found in these strains:
Scientists and health experts often use such nicknames to simplify public communication.
The symptoms of the new COVID variant are similar to those of past Omicron strains but may present with different intensity or order. The most commonly reported symptoms include:
Most people infected with the new variant report mild to moderate symptoms, especially those who are vaccinated or have had previous COVID infections.
While symptoms overlap with previous strains, there are a few notable differences:
The KP.2 and KP.3 variants appear to spread more quickly, especially in crowded or indoor settings.
These variants show some resistance to existing immunity, meaning that even vaccinated individuals may catch the virus, although their symptoms tend to be less severe.
Current data suggests that hospitalizations are not significantly rising, which means the virus is less severe for most people — likely thanks to widespread immunity.
While most healthy individuals recover without complications, certain groups remain at higher risk of severe illness:
If you’re in any of these groups and start experiencing new COVID variant symptoms, it’s advised to get tested promptly and consult with a healthcare provider.
The good news is that standard COVID-19 tests (PCR and rapid antigen) can still detect this new variant. However, only lab-based tests can identify the specific strain (KP.2 or KP.3), which is usually tracked for public health surveillance rather than individual diagnosis.
Yes — but with some limitations.
The current COVID-19 vaccines, including the most recent updated booster released in Fall 2024, continue to offer strong protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death. However, they may not fully prevent infection from KP.3 or other FLiRT variants.
Experts recommend staying up to date with boosters, especially if you’re in a high-risk group.
While the pandemic may not dominate headlines anymore, COVID is still active, and so is the need for smart prevention.
Here are simple and effective steps you can take:
Wearing a well-fitted mask (like N95 or KN95) in high-risk areas can greatly reduce transmission.
COVID, like other respiratory viruses, can spread through surfaces. Regular handwashing with soap is key.
Even mild symptoms can signal an active infection.
If you develop new COVID variant symptoms, isolate immediately and get tested.
Open windows and improve air circulation in indoor spaces when possible.
If you test positive for COVID, follow these CDC-recommended steps:
Antiviral medications like Paxlovid may be prescribed for high-risk individuals, so consult your doctor early.
According to the CDC’s latest COVID tracker, cases of the KP.3 variant are increasing, especially in urban areas like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Wastewater testing also shows a rise in viral concentrations, suggesting wider community spread.
However, hospitalization and death rates remain relatively low, thanks to higher immunity levels and widespread vaccination.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, Director of the CDC, emphasized in a recent statement:
“We’re closely monitoring these new variants. While symptoms are mostly mild, we urge people to stay informed, test when needed, and get boosted.”
Experts agree that while we’re not heading into another large-scale lockdown, COVID remains unpredictable, and individual responsibility plays a key role in keeping communities safe.
It’s natural to feel concerned when hearing about new COVID strains, but there’s no need to panic. The good news is:
Still, being alert and taking sensible precautions will help prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations.
The new COVID variant symptoms are a reminder that the virus is still evolving. But with public awareness, early testing, and up-to-date vaccinations, we’re in a strong position to handle it.
Don’t ignore symptoms even if they feel like a common cold. Stay informed, stay cautious, and continue to support your community in this new phase of the pandemic.
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