COVID cases are rising across Australia. Here's what we know about the new variant: FLiRT

23/05/2024

Australia has recorded a total of 142,289 COVID cases so far in 2024. (Adobe Stock)

As the weather gets colder, a family of highly transmissible COVID-19 subvariants has been detected in Australia.

The family, nicknamed FLiRT, is not as playful as it sounds and has been the key contributor to rising case numbers and hospitalisations across the country.

Here's a look at how many case numbers have been reported in Australia and whether this new variant is a cause for concern.

How many cases of COVID are there in Australia right now?

Getting an idea of official figures is difficult because fewer people now test and register their cases.

There are also different ways to view total COVID cases across the country and for each state.

Here are a few options where you can find the statistics:

Each state has its own COVID-19 surveillance summary system

If we look at the NNDSS, there were 20,699 cases reported across the country between April 1 and April 30.

This is compared to 25,423 cases that have currently been reported up to May 23.

That's an increase of 4,724 on April's figures, and there is still one week left to go in May.

Now, to look at deaths from COVID-19, we can switch to the WHO dashboard.

According to WHO, Australia reported 63 COVID deaths in the 28 days to May 5, 2024.

What about a state-by-state breakdown?

For these statistics, we'll focus on each state's surveillance system.

NSW Health says COVID-19 cases have increased to "moderate levels".

"There has been a particularly large increase in the notification rate of COVID-19 cases in those 90 years of age and older," they said.

[NSW data]

In Queensland, 1,442 people have been diagnosed with COVID in the past week.

Of concern, 47 per cent of people hospitalised with the disease were aged 75 years or older.

[QLD data]

In Victoria, hospitalisations have been increasing.

The latest data indicates there are increasing COVID viral loads in Victorian wastewater.

While 97 per cent of samples tested were for the JN.1 strain, new FLiRT variants are also being detected.

[Vic data]

In Western Australia, COVID cases increased by 83 per cent from April 29 to May 12 with 1,095 recorded.

Here's a look at the other states:

ACT: 146 new cases detected for the week ending May 16, along with four deaths
South Australia: 1,528 cases for the week ending May 17, along with 27 deaths
Tasmania: COVID-19 activity is moderate but is increasing
Northern Territory: Doesn't record COVID-19 data

Why are we seeing a rise in COVID cases?

Paul Griffin, an infectious disease physician and clinical microbiologist at the University of Queensland, says it's because the virus continues to evolve.

"What we have seen many times before and also at the moment is when the virus changes significantly, as is the case with the FLiRT mutation, protection from past infection and vaccination doesn't work so well," Dr Griffin tells the ABC.

"This facilitates increased spread and a rise in cases."

While case numbers don't tell us as much as they used to — due to a decline in testing rates — they are lifting.

"By all ways we measure COVID activity, there is an increase at the moment and this would be mostly due to the new subvariants with the FLiRT mutation," Dr Griffin says.

What is the new COVID subvariant?

It's been nicknamed FLiRT, and is made up of several similar subvariants called KP.1 and KP.2.

FLiRT is a descendant that closely resembles the JN.1 variant, which the WHO classified as a variant of interest in December 2023.

Although FLiRT is similar to JN.1, experts suggest its spike protein might make it better at evading our immune system and therefore more infectious.

KP.2 made up around 50 per cent of COVID infections in NSW up until May 4, according to NSW Health.

What are the symptoms of the FLiRT variant?

Because it's so similar to JN.1, the symptoms are pretty much the same as previous variants.

The most common symptoms of FLiRT are:

Fever or chills
Cough
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
Congestion
Nausea
Diarrhoea

Should we be worried about this new variant?

There's no cause for concern, says Dr Griffin.

"But it is another reminder of why we need to maintain a level of preparedness for COVID-19 as it isn't going away any time soon.

"The best way of reducing the impact of rising case numbers is to be prepared and do all the basic things we've been talking about essentially since the pandemic began, particularly getting boosters in accordance with current recommendations."

How long is COVID contagious for?

Dr Griffin says the amount of time someone remains infectious with COVID can be hard to pinpoint.

"There are multiple factors that can impact how long someone is infectious for including previous COVID infection(s), vaccination status, immune status and potentially even antivirals," he says.

"One of the main challenges with a new variant or subvariant like those possessing the FLiRT mutation is that immunity generated from previous vaccination and infection doesn't work as well.

"Typically, however, the new subvariants accounting for the rise in cases are no more severe nor any different in terms of how long someone is infectious for."

Here's what Health Direct says:

While the COVID infectious period can vary, most people are considered infectious from 48 hours before their symptoms start and can be infectious for up to 10 days.

What is the quickest way to get rid of COVID symptoms?

The basic tips of drinking plenty of water and taking lots of rest haven't changed since the beginning of the pandemic.

Health Direct says sipping warm fluids may help soothe a sore throat.

Over-the-counter medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with treating pain and fever.

Health Direct recommends making sure your room has good air circulation and points out you should avoid smoking when recovering from the virus.

Here's some other advice from Dr Griffin:

Keep up to date with your vaccinations: Chat with your GP or pharmacist to get the right advice for you. Ask if you're eligible for another booster
Try to minimise the spread where possible: Wash your hands and wear a mask
Get tested: A lot of viruses out there can look like COVID — so find out exactly what you're dealing with
Get access to antivirals: This is for the people who are the highest risk in our community. If you're eligible, plan ahead about how you can obtain a prescription for oral antivirals if you were to test positive