site.btaCOVID FliRT Sub-Variants Identified in Bulgaria

According to preliminary data, sub-variants of the FLiRT variant of COVID Omicron have been identified in Bulgaria, the head of the National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Prof. Iva Hristova, told BTA. In her words, the BA2.86 sub-variant, which has spread rapidly, has split into several other sub-variants and they altogether are called FLiRT. The name FLiRT is a combination of the first letters of the altered amino acids, Prof. Hristova explained.

There are currently three reported cases of FliRT in Bulgaria, but analyses are still ongoing and the number is likely to increase, she said.

Prof. Hristova advised people to get tested if they suspect they are infected and recommended that patients stay home until they feel well, which could take two to five days.