The new sub-variant of the Omicron coronavirus, FLiRT, is preliminarily characterized by being even faster to transmit from person to person and even more immune response-dependent. This means that a person who has not received a booster dose of the vaccine is at greater risk of getting sick.
This was announced by Deputy Minister of Health - Chief State Sanitary Doctor Igor Kuzin during a telethon, reports UNN correspondent .
Kuzin noted that over the past few months, there has been an increase in absolute numbers of cases in Ukraine. He reminded that last week three cases of the new sub-variant of the Omicron coronavirus, FLiRT, which had not been found in Ukraine before, were registered .
This is one of the sub-variants, which is tentatively characterized by being even faster to transmit from person to person and even more dependent on the immune response. This means that a person who has not received a booster dose of the vaccine is at greater risk of getting sick if they have an up-to-date level of immunity against COVID-19 through vaccination
He said that although no official risk assessments have been provided yet, there are reports from the WHO that the current vaccine used in Ukraine and globally is just as effective against this strain, FLiRT.
"Therefore, vaccination is available, there is a vaccine in Ukraine - more than half a million doses. That is, the vaccine itself remains an effective tool," Kuzin said.
He also said that the common symptoms of FLiRT are fever, mostly in the first days of the disease, and cough. Headaches and muscle fatigue can occur, and these symptoms are common to any strain.