More than three years have gone by since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the worst has passed, the virus continues to mutate and affect people around the world.
According to the latest report shared by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the new Omicron variant, JN.1, may be on the rise, with a 17.6% increase in hospitalisation cases and a 25% surge in COVID-related deaths. Reportedly, the strain now constitutes 15–29% of the current COVID cases. It was less than 0.1% in late October this year.
Here's all you need to know about the new variant of COVID and ways to stay safe during the holiday season.
Also Read: From Eris To Pirola, Latest COVID-19 Variants To Watch Out For: Symptoms To Note
What Is The JN.1 COVID Variant?
JN.1 is a relatively new COVID-19 variant that was first detected in September 2023 in the United States and has been detected in 11 other countries, according to a CDC report.
While it is closely related to the BA.2.86 variant and shares some genetic similarities with the Pirola variant, JN.1 has a small change in its spike protein, which is the part of the virus that attaches to human cells and helps the virus infect people.
Given the rise in the number of JN.1-driven COVID cases, recent data suggests that it is either more transmissible or better at evading the immune system.
Symptoms To Note
As of now, the JN.1 COVID variant does not cause any new or different symptoms, meaning the symptoms of COVID-10 remain the same across all variants. Some of the most common ones include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
Also Read: Parosmia After Covid-19: Expert Tells Ways To Recover From The Condition
Other Countries Reporting Cases
According to the CDC, the number of COVID-19 cases is likely to increase over the next month. This has been attributed to a combination of factors, including increased gatherings due to the holiday season, waning immunity or low COVID vaccine rates, and new emerging variants that are more transmissible.
Apart from the US, China has detected seven infections of the COVID subvariant JN.1, as per a Reuters report, which cited the country's National Disease Control and Prevention Administration. Although Chinese health authorities have said that the prevalence of the new variant is "very low," they did not rule out the possibility of it becoming a dominant strain in the country.
India has also witnessed the first case of COVID subvariant JN.1 in Kerala, as per a TOI report. The National Indian Medical Association COVID Task Force's co-chairman, Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, has even said that the new variant may be driving the recent surge in India's COVID cases.
How To Stay Safe This Holiday Season
Some of the ways to stay protected from the new COVID variant include:
- Staying up-to-date on vaccinations and boosters
- Practising good hygiene measures like hand washing
- Maintaining social distance helps reduce transmission
- Avoiding crowded areas
- Wearing a well-fitted mask
- Monitoring official health updates and advisories
Conclusion
The holiday season has begun, and while it is a time to come together and celebrate with your loved ones, it is also important to take measures that protect those who are vulnerable to common infections. Other than COVID-19, the flu and common cold are also prevalent during the winter. Therefore, ensure that you are eating healthy, indulging in regular exercise, and up-to-date with your COVID and flu vaccinations.