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FLiRT variant alert
The “FLiRT’ COVID-19 variants, led by the dominant KP.2 strain, are spreading in Canada, and experts warn they might dodge some immunity, signaling a possible surge in cases.
In Canada, the emergence of KP.2 was first observed in February, and it is now the dominant subvariant of the JN.1 strain.
This subvariant, as well as KP.1 and KP.3, make up what is known as the FLiRT variants, explained Dr. Gerald Evans, an infectious disease specialist at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont.
“FLiRT is a bit of an odd name, and it’s not like one of these names that’s been given by a social media person,” he said, adding there is scientific meaning behind it.
They are nicknamed FLiRT mutations because the amino phenylalanine (abbreviated as F) replaces the amino acid leucine (abbreviated as L), while the amino acid arginine (R) is replaced by threonine (T), he said.
And while current COVID-19 numbers are low across Canada, Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases specialist, said the latest mutation may be more adept at evading our immunity.
“This year we didn’t see much of a spring COVID-19 wave,” Bogoch told Global News. “Could [KP.2] cause an uptick of COVID infections? Sure it could. The mutations might enable the virus to circumvent current immunity and cause reinfection. But typically, on average, the severity of those infections is lower.”
Read more about the symptoms of the FLiRT variants and whether the COVID-19 vaccine works against the strain.
Ultra-processed food linked to early death
Ultra-processed foods, such as ready-to-eat meat, fizzy drinks, ice cream and sugary cereals are linked to a higher risk of early death, according to a new study.
The U.S.-based research, published May 8 in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), found that over 34 years, people who consumed a greater quantity of highly-processed foods faced an increased risk of mortality compared to those who consumed fewer servings.
“The association is quite linear. The higher intake of ultra-processed foods, the higher mortality,” said Mingyang Song, senior author and associate professor of clinical epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Ultra-processed foods go through multiple processes such as extrusion, molding, milling, etc., and contain many added ingredients and are highly manipulated, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. They encompass a wide range of products, including packaged baked goods, candy, chips, sweetened drinks, bacon and hot dogs.
The study found that ready-to-eat meats showed the strongest association with mortality. And other subgroups also showed an association with higher mortality, including sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages, dairy-based desserts (like ice cream and yogurt) and ultra-processed breakfast foods excluding whole grains.
Read more about what the biggest food culprits according to the study here.
— THE TOPIC —
‘Zombie’ raccoons on the loose
— WHAT EXPERTS ARE SAYING —
A virus called canine distemper virus (CDV) is causing raccoons in Canada to exhibit unusual behaviour, sometimes resembling zombies.
Symptoms of this virus include a lack of fear towards humans, staggering movements, aggressive behavior when cornered and even daytime activity.
“They will not be afraid of humans,” said Bill Dowd, founder and CEO of wildlife control company Skedaddle Wildlife. “They almost will look like a zombie or possessed, they’ll get up on their hind legs. They’ll start baring their teeth, maybe growling.”
The virus is lethal for raccoons and may cause them to approach humans and be aggressive if cornered. It cannot be transmitted to humans.
Dowd advises that if you encounter an aggressive raccoon, it’s crucial not to attempt to approach or relocate it. Doing so could inadvertently spread the virus to other animals. Instead, he recommends contacting local authorities, such as the humane society, for assistance.
If you do get scratched by a raccoon, Dowd said to get medical attention immediately, as you may need a rabies shot.
While it’s rare for raccoons to attack humans, there have been cases of people taking one in and trying to train it, which experts strongly urge against. That is because the raccoon will expect food from humans and not be afraid of them, and they are capable of opening doors with their claws.
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