FLiRT with Long-Covid Patients poses challenges for all individuals, however FLiRT (KP2) is a descendant of the Omicron variant. Now before we launch into the clever title, this is not a dating app idea. To be clear we are talking about Covid Variant FLiRT (KP2) and exploring National Institute on Health studies on impact on Long-Covid Patients.
As expected, not much is known about the impact on the current variant, but as a Long-Covid patient in recovery, I am one of the many Long-Covid Patients committed to discovering the win for recovery and freedom from the impacts of Long-Covid. We study what is known, to help close the many unknowns that compromise the day to day life of a Long-Covid Patient.
FLiRT has potential to evade immunity and exacerbate symptoms in those who are immuno-compromised, those who are Long COVID patients, and those who are elderly, have led to exponential increased healthcare needs with prolonged illness.
2024 COVID Strains, Symptoms, and Rapid Test Detection
| Strain | Symptoms | Detected by Rapid Tests | Immunity Evasion | Long COVID Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FLiRT KP.2 | Fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste/smell, sore throat, muscle aches, shortness of breath. | Yes, but sensitivity varies | Partially evades immunity, leading to higher breakthrough infections. | Prolonged symptoms: fatigue, cognitive issues, cardiovascular problems. |
| LB.1 | Similar to FLiRT: Fever, cough, sore throat, and runny nose. | Yes, but sensitivity varies | Similar immunity evasion to FLiRT. | Prolonged symptoms: fatigue, respiratory issues, brain fog. |
| KP.2.3 | Headache, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat. | Yes, generally detected | Less immunity evasion compared to FLiRT. | Possible resurgence of symptoms: joint pain, fatigue, concentration issues. |
| JN.1 | Loss of taste/smell, muscle soreness, nausea, shortness of breath. | Yes, but slower detection | Minor immunity evasion. | Worsening of existing symptoms: respiratory issues, cognitive difficulties. |
How I experienced FLiRT with Long Covid
Overall, my Long Covid symptoms are ever improving. However, by the end of July, I began to feel increasingly sick, with persistent nighttime fevers, slight cognitive impairment, and overwhelming exhaustion. Imagine dealing with a fever that lasted for an entire month! When I took my first Covid test in the first week of August, it came back negative. I theorized that my body was building immunity by fighting off whatever was causing these symptoms. It wasn’t Covid, and it wasn’t the flu.
As I struggled to understand the persistent heat, fever, and general unwellness, depression began to set in. Instead of these symptoms subsiding, they intensified. Determined to aid my recovery from Long Covid, I turned to blogging and research to ensure I was creating the best conditions for healing.
Other Long-Covid Patients Resources
- CDC COVID Data Tracker: Home
- Coronavirus Rehabilitation Resources | Johns Hopkins (hopkinsmedicine.org)
- COVID-19 Recovery Program | Cedars-Sinai
- Covid-19 Variants – Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center (jhu.edu)
- Long COVID still has no cure — so these patients are turning to research (nature.com)
- Northwestern Medicine Study Suggests Multidisciplinary Care Best for Long COVID Patients
- Omicron, Delta, Alpha, and More: Coronavirus Variants > News > Yale Medicine
- Parvovirus B19 increasing in US, CDC warns. How to prevent it, recognize symptoms. (msn.com)
- SARS-CoV-2 disrupts mitochondria. Could that cause long Covid?
- Support for Long Covid (Online) – Sutter Health
- Too many children with long COVID are suffering in silence – ABC News
- UCLA Long COVID Health Recovery Clinic Phone: (310) 825-2631
Dawn C Simmons LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter |Pinterest – CxO Leader