Saltillo, Mississippi – A new COVID-19 variant called the FLiRT strain is causing an increase in infections across the country, including Mississippi.
The FLiRT strain exhibits symptoms of a severe sinus infection, including a headache, tiredness, congestion, and fever or chills.
Alabama and Tennessee are two more southeastern states experiencing large increases in COVID-19 cases.
Scientists are designing a new booster vaccination to combat the new strain.
It should be available in late August or early September.
A local nurse practitioner discussed the new booster, advising senior patients and those with underlying medical issues to consider obtaining it.
“There are conflicting studies on the vaccine,” explained Paige Long, a Family Nurse Practitioner at MedPlus Family and Urgent Care. “I believe that patients who have many comorbidities, such as lung disease, cancer, or impaired immune function, should consider vaccination or other preventive measures. I believe the choice of vaccination is up to the individual.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are also anticipated to change their immunization recommendations.
COVID-19, unlike the flu, does not have a seasonal pattern, making it difficult to anticipate when an outbreak will occur.
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