A novel strain of COVID-19, named JN.1, has been found in Karakulam Thiruvananthapuram in the district of Kerala. This variant, a Pirola’s descendant, has now been identified in India, the US, and China. The JN.1 variant shares similarities with earlier Omicron strains in terms of strong transmissibility and mild symptoms.
What is the new variant JN.1?
This JN.1 The Covid subvariant was first found in Luxembourg and is a descendant of the Omicron subvariant-originating Pirola variant (BA.2.86). JN.1 is a descendant of the BA.2.86 sub-variant (generally called Pirola), first discovered in the US in September 2023. JN.1 spreads faster than other circulating variants, which could be because of changes in its spike protein.
Symptoms of Covid-19 variant JN.1
The WHO reports that this Covid-19 variant can cause mild to severe symptoms. Here are a few common symptoms-
- Runny nose
- Muscle aches
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Few people may feel mild nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting
- Few people can lose smell or taste
- The new variant can cause loss of hunger and persistent nausea
If you are facing any of these symptoms, you should seek urgent clinical attention.
Who is actually at risk of New Covid-19 Variant JN.1?
While the virus can be spread easily, it’s essential to identify the high-risk populations. These are-
- People who are more than 65 years old are at high risk
- Diabetic patients
- People with Cystic fibrosis, dementia, or other neurological problems
- Smokers
- Pregnant females
- Healthcare workers
- People who are Unboosted or not vaccinated
- Obese people
- People with heart issues, CKD, liver disease
Precautions
While new variants such as JN.1 cases are on the rise, there are still various ways in which you may effectively save yourself and your close ones against COVID-19 variants:
Get vaccinated
The vaccine for COVID-19 provides you protection from the virus and lowers the risk of falling sick. Therefore, it’s vital that you are updated on vaccines for COVID-19. Moreover, please do not forget to update yourself with your COVID-19 booster shots, mainly for those with weak immune systems.
Cover your face with good-quality masks
You must wear a mask on your face to avoid the infection. Wearing a good-quality mask lowers the chances of getting infected. So, whenever you are going outside, make sure to cover your face. Masks help to prevent droplets and particles you cough, breathe, or sneeze out.
There are many branded masks available, but for extra precaution and safety, experts suggest wearing high-filtration masks such as N95. These masks help to block particles and droplets you breathe and safeguard you from spreading them. You should wear fitted masks on your face over your nose and mouth, which also provide comfort.
Boost your immunity
Do not forget to boost your immune system with a nutritious diet in addition to preventive measures. You should follow good habits such as maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, sleeping properly, exercising, and handling stress. A strong immune system may provide you safety from major health problems and will also help in fighting off viral invaders.
Maintain proper hygiene
Proper hygiene plays a lead role in our lives as the transmission of viruses can be stopped with it. This is why you should clean your hands with handwash, alcohol-based sanitizer, soap, and water. Daily disinfect surfaces such as phone screens and door handles. Get tested to see if you are susceptible to the Covid virus.
Testing and self-isolation
If you found your results positive, then stay inside and avoid going outside. Get tested promptly if you think you could be experiencing symptoms such as fever, cold, or cough. Early detection may help you and your close ones to become infected and stop the spread of the infection. You should get isolated if you find COVID-19 positive. Always be aware of testing guidelines and follow the required protocols. To find out your Covid-19 status, get a COVID RT PCR test from Redcliffe Labs.
Social distancing
The closer you are, the greater the chance of COVID-19, which means the virus may easily transmit in confined spaces. However, the best defense against COVID-19 is keeping social distancing. You should avoid crowded areas and maintain distance from those who have COVID or have symptoms of it to prevent potential exposure.
Special note
According to the reports of the CDC, the JN.1 is more contagious than other COVID strains. However, over 90% of COVID cases in India are manageable and can be treated with home isolation. If you are facing symptoms such as cough, fever, and difficulty breathing, it’s better to self-isolate, get tested, and seek urgent medical help.
The chilly winter season coincides with the flu season. It’s vital to recognize the difference in symptoms and get diagnosed properly to manage the spreading of the virus. However, this new COVID variant JN.1 is a reminder that the pandemic is still active, and we should take precautionary and preventive measures to reduce the risk to our health.
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