Understanding the COVID-19 Flirt Variants in Texas: Symptoms, Severity, and When to Seek Emergency Care

Understanding the COVID-19 Flirt Variants: Symptoms and Emergency Care in Texas

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, new variants of the virus have emerged, each with distinct characteristics. In Texas, recent attention has been focused on the "Flirt" variants.

What Are the Flirt Variants?

The Flirt variants are new mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Like other variants, they have arisen through changes in the virus’s genetic code.

Symptoms of the Flirt Variants

The symptoms of the Flirt variants are similar to those of previous COVID-19 strains but may vary in intensity. Common symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

While these symptoms mirror those of other respiratory illnesses, it is crucial to note any changes in their pattern or severity, especially if you have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 or are in an area experiencing an outbreak.

Comparing the Flirt Variants to Cold, Flu, and Previous COVID-19 Variants

• Cold

  • Symptoms - Runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, mild cough.
  • Seriousness - Generally mild and self-limiting; rarely requires medical intervention.

• Flu

  • Symptoms - Fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose.
  • Seriousness - Can be severe, especially in vulnerable populations (young children, elderly, immunocompromised); annual vaccination is recommended.

• Previous COVID-19 Variants

  • Symptoms - Wide range from mild to severe respiratory illness, loss of taste and smell, fatigue.
  • Seriousness - Can cause severe illness, long-term complications (Long COVID), and death, particularly in unvaccinated individuals and those with underlying health conditions.

• Flirt Variants

  • Symptoms - Similar to previous COVID-19 variants but may present with unique symptom combinations or severity levels.
  • Seriousness - Early data suggests these variants may spread more easily and potentially cause different symptom patterns. However, vaccination remains effective in reducing severe outcomes.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Knowing when to seek emergency care is crucial for preventing severe health outcomes. Around 75% of adults have at least one risk factor for progression to severe COVID‑19. These risk factors include but are not limited to:

• Age of 50+ years
• Certain health conditions and diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes
• Being overweight or obese
• Mental health conditions
• Lifestyle factors, such as smoking
• Physical, mental, and developmental disabilities

ER of Texas is open 24/7; seek emergency help if you think you are at increased risk for severe COVID or should you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

Some of the most common risk factors for progression to severe COVID‑19 include:

These symptoms indicate a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Locate your nearest ER of TEXAS CLICK HERE or call 911.

Conclusion

The emergence of the Flirt variants in Texas underscores the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19. Staying informed about symptoms, understanding the relative seriousness compared to other respiratory illnesses, and knowing when to seek emergency care are essential steps in managing your health and protecting your community. Continue to follow public health guidelines, get vaccinated, and seek medical advice if you experience symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

Stay safe, Texas!

References

- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

- Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

- World Health Organization (WHO)