BUFFALO, N.Y. — There's a new warning from the medical community about COVID.
A Western New York doctor talked with 2 On Your Side about what steps you need to take concerning a new variant called "FLiRT" as we move into summer.
"There's an increasing sense that COVID is behind us, but unfortunately it is not. It is still a potentially lethal disease," according to Dr. Thomas Russo, professor and chief of Infectious Disease at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine.
Dr. Russo recently addressed the new FLiRT variants in the journal Prevention.
"It appears they're more immune invasive, which means the antibodies that we have been building up from vaccination and prior infection are not quite as effective against these new variants," Dr. Russo said.
In other words, the new variant isn't linked to more serious cases of COVID, but you may be more likely to catch this new virus. Dr. Russo said that the variants are very new, and research on them is in its very early stages.
He added that it's important not to become complacent.
"We anticipate once we get into the summer months, particularly where its hot and people congregate indoors in poorly ventilated venues with air conditioning, we know that's a setting where this virus spreads particularly well," Dr. Russo said.
Seniors, people with weakened immune systems, and people with pre-existing conditions remain most at risk for COVID.
Dr. Russo said if that's not you, it could be your family, your friends or your neighbor. He says vaccines and masks still provide the best protection.
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