A new variant of the FLiRT coronavirus group could trigger a surge in infections in Europe, the United States, and eventually, after a short period of time, in Russia, warned immunologist Nikolay Kryuchkov in a conversation with “Lenta.ru”. He also added that there is currently no increase in the pathogenicity and lethality of the coronavirus.
“The evolution of the coronavirus continues, and if society pays less attention to the virus, it does not mean that it has disappeared. There was an exacerbation of the situation in China, now the same awaits Europe and the United States. Currently, we are observing another generation within the omicron lineage: the population continues to adapt, and the virus continues to overcome negative adaptation,” explained Kryuchkov.
At the same time, according to him, there is no critical difference in pathogenicity and lethality in new variants – these indicators have remained practically unchanged since 2021. The immunologist believes that significant jumps in infectivity are also not expected – it has reached its biological ceiling.
“Given the current situation, I do not expect new major waves of infections, but there will be surges. First in the United States, in Europe, and then, with a slight temporal lag, the increase in infections will come to Russia. It will not be too extensive,” concluded the interviewee of “Lenta.ru”.
Earlier it was reported that strains of the FLiRT COVID-19 group are actively spreading in Western countries, which could cause a surge in infections this summer. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that FLiRT group strains have been detected in fourteen European countries and in Israel.