Bulgaria reports cases of COVID FliRT sub-variant

According to preliminary data, strains of the FLiRT variant of Omicron have been identified in Bulgaria, Prof. Iva Hristova, Director of the National Centre for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases told BNT on August 14.

According to her, the BA2.86 sub-variant, which spread rapidly, has multiplied into sub-variants and all of them are collectively called FLiRT.

"The name “FLiRT” was coined by combining the first letters of the new mutations in the virus' spike protein,” she explained.

Currently, there are three confirmed cases, but analyses are still ongoing and there will likely be more, she said.

Prof. Hristova advised people to get tested if they suspect they are infected. She said it was highly advisable for sick people to stay at home, because the body would recover much faster, with less damage and fewer complications, and to avoid infecting others.

"Some patients get well within two to three days, but others need four to five," the health expert explained.

Source: BNR