Louisiana
New COVID Variant in Louisiana Has Weird Name, Weirder Symptoms
A new set of COVID-19 variants, which collectively have an odd name to identify them, that have been identified in Louisiana (particularly the northern part of the state) seem to be evidence of a new “summer surge” of the virus that sparked a global pandemic just a few years ago.
Health experts are warning folks about the FLiRT variant – or rather, variants – which stem from the JN.1 variant that was making the rounds through Louisiana in December.
The JN.1 variant was reported to have some unique symptoms, which appeared among those who tested positive for the strain in Louisiana and across the country.
Trouble Sleeping: 10.8 percent of those diagnosed reported trouble sleeping.
Increased Anxiety: 10.5 percent of those diagnosed reported more anxiety.
READ MORE: The Latest COVID Variant in Louisiana Has Bizarre New Symptoms
But, as most viruses do, COVID-19 has continued to mutate, with more variations becoming prevalent as spring turns into summer.
The Shreveport Times spoke with a health expert to learn more.
Dr. Krista Queen, Director of the Viral Genomics and Surveillance Center for Emerging Viral Threats at LSU Health Shreveport, viral threats specialist said, “FLiRT is an interesting name for this new variant and it’s referring to a couple of different mutations that are present and actually it’s not just one variant, it’s a group of variants.”
According to Dr. Queen and the CDC, there are a few symptoms specific to FLiRT to watch out for.
• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• New loss of taste or smell
• “Brain fog” (feeling less wakeful and aware)
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (upset stomach, mild diarrhea, vomiting)
However, there are currently mixed beliefs on whether or not this could result in a “summer surge.”
“The FLiRT strains are subvariants of Omicron,” Yale Medicine wrote on its site. “One of them, KP.2, accounted for 28.2% of COVID infections in the United States by the third week of May, making it the dominant coronavirus variant in the country; another, KP.1.1, made up 7.1% of cases.”
But, the medical site also notes that this variant does not necessarily mean a surge.
“Some experts have suggested that the new variants could cause a summer surge in COVID cases,” the site explained. “But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reports that COVID viral activity in wastewater (water containing waste from residential, commercial, and industrial processes) in the U.S. has been dropping since January and is currently ‘minimal.’”
How to Prevent Infection
Preventing COVID-19 involves several important steps based on guidelines from health authorities such as the CDC and WHO. First and foremost, getting vaccinated and staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines is crucial, as they are effective at reducing the severity of illness and preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death.
Hand hygiene is another key measure; washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is essential, especially after being in public places, touching your face, or coughing and sneezing. When soap and water are not available, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is recommended.
Government Health Officials Testify On Coronavirus Vaccine Development
Wearing a mask in indoor public spaces, particularly in areas with high transmission rates or where physical distancing is challenging, is also important. The mask should cover both your nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides of your face.
Maintaining physical distance, ideally at least 6 feet from others who are not in your household, helps reduce the spread of the virus. It’s advisable to avoid crowded places and large gatherings where distancing is difficult. Additionally, minimizing close contact with people who are sick or showing symptoms of COVID-19 is essential, and staying home if you are feeling unwell or have been exposed to the virus is critical.
Regular cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and smartphones, should be practiced. Using disinfectants that meet EPA criteria for effectiveness against COVID-19 is recommended. Improving indoor ventilation by opening windows and doors, and using air purifiers and exhaust fans to increase air circulation, can also help reduce the concentration of viral particles indoors.
Monitoring your health for symptoms like fever, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell is important. If you experience symptoms or suspect exposure to COVID-19, getting tested and following public health guidance is necessary.
Staying informed with the latest information from trusted sources like the CDC and WHO, and following local public health recommendations and guidelines, ensures you are aware of the latest measures to protect yourself and others. By consistently following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19.
Suggested Remedies for Flu and COVID Symptoms from Louisiana
Being sick is the worst! Not only do you feel gross, you have to miss work and pause your life to get better. There may not be a pill or potion that zaps you back to normal, but here are a few suggestions from Louisiana folks to help you through it.
Gallery Credit: TRACY WIRTZ
Louisiana ranks among the top 10 most affordable states to retire, according to a new study from Retirement Living, a national journal of retirement research.
Researchers analyzed each state’s housing costs, living expenses and tax friendliness to compile the ranking. Louisiana, they say, is the eighth most affordable state for retirees.
In Louisiana, the median monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $932, the median home sale price is $255,000, monthly grocery spend per capita is $272, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $4, the average Medicare Advantage monthly premium is $13.35 and the average effective property tax rate is 0.55%.
West Virginia is the most affordable state to retire, followed by Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Louisiana, Indiana and Kansas. Researchers describe the South as “the sweet spot for an affordable retirement.”
The most expensive state to retire, meanwhile, is California, followed by Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Utah, New York and Minnesota.
Read Retirement Living’s full report here.
BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – With hurricane season approaching, the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is bringing the community together to prepare before a storm forms.
“We can’t stop disasters from happening. We can’t stop hurricanes from happening. But what we can do is equip our communities with the resources that they need to prepare for these storms ahead of time,” said Jayda Morris, CPRA outreach manager.
The agency hosted an event featuring interactive storm simulations and a full model of the Mississippi River.
“If you do it now, like on a sunny day like today, you’re ready to go for the rest of the season,” Jay Grymes said.
El Niño may reduce storms, but Louisiana still at risk
State Climatologist Jay Grymes said an El Niño pattern may reduce the number of storms in the Atlantic but warned against a false sense of security.
“In those 25 years, Louisiana, some part of the state has been impacted by 29 storms. That’s one a year, regardless of El Niño. So that should tell you something,” Grymes said.
He said the bigger concern is storms that can form in the Gulf with little warning.
“If we’re going to get a storm, it very possibly could be one that bubbles up in the Gulf and doesn’t give us five or seven days to track it coming our way. It gives us 40 hours to get ready for a landfall. So it’s imperative that you go ahead and do it now,” Grymes said.
Preparation goes beyond stocking water
Preparing now includes walking through yards, checking trees, and knowing whether everyone in the family can survive two weeks without power.
PhD students with the LSU College of the Coast and Environment gave the community a virtual reality experience that puts users inside a storm.
“If they wear the goggles or play with the Apple Vision Pro, they can understand how high will the flood be, and they can know how dangerous is the hurricane scenario,” said Yixuan Wang.
The VR simulation uses real historical data to show users what compound flooding looks like in New Orleans and surrounding areas. The goal is to make the science real for people who can’t picture what a flood map means.
“It’s just to let you understand the environment. We will add the audios, the different sound of the wind and the storm. And you can see how tense of the rainfall around you,” Wang said.
Organizers said the event is about making sure that when a storm threatens the area, families already know their plan.
Information from the event is available on CPRA’s website. Hurricane season runs through Nov. 30.
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BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Louisiana homeowners can get financial help to upgrade their roofs and ensure they can better stand up to strong storms.
According to the Louisiana Department of Insurance, registration for next Louisiana Fortify Homes Program lottery opens at 8 a.m. on Monday, June 1. The registration period will stay open through 5 p.m. on Friday, June 19.
Under the latest round of the program, 3,000 grants of up to $10,000 will go out. After applying, homeowners will get placed into a lottery and will be randomly selected.
There are many specific benefits of having a roof upgraded through the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program. Officials said the roofs have stronger shingles that can protect against hail up to two inches wide, sealed roof decks to help prevent water damage, and stronger edges to keep wind from getting underneath.
Homeowners with a fortified roof can also get a certificate to receive a discount on insurance premiums.
“At the end of the day, this program is about more than just roofs,” said Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple. “It is about protecting families, it is about strengthening communities, and it is about putting Louisiana in a stronger position—both physically and economically—to face the challenges ahead.”
Only people living in Ascension Parish, Livingston Parish, Assumption Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, Acadia Parish, Calcasieu Parish, Cameron Parish, Iberia Parish, Jefferson Parish, Jefferson Davis Parish, Lafayette Parish, Lafourche Parish, Orleans Parish, Plaquemines Parish, St. Bernard Parish, St. Charles Parish, St. James Parish, St. John the Baptist Parish, St. Martin Parish, St. Mary Parish, St. Tammany Parish, Terrebonne Parish, and Vermilion Parish are eligible to apply for the latest round of the program.
People living in a newly built home, mobile home, or condominium are not qualified.
For a detailed list of eligibility requirements, click here.
If a person registered for the program previously, he or she must do so again. The person will also need to provide the following information:
- A homestead exemption on the primary residence.
- A policy of insurance that provides wind coverage for the primary residence.
- A flood insurance policy on the primary residence if it is in a special flood hazard area.
For more information about applying, click here.
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Click here to subscribe to our WAFB 9 News daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.
Watch the latest WAFB news and weather now.
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