The World Health Organization has classified a new COVID-19 variant as a “variant of interest,” but the strain does not pose a significant threat to public health. In India, healthcare professionals, experts, leaders, and the general public have expressed concern about the JN.1 variant.
The JN.1 Covid subvariant, discovered in Luxembourg, is a descendant of the Pirola variant (BA.2.86), which originated from the Omicron subvariant.
This variant has resulted in an increase in the number of active COVID-19 cases in India, which reached 1,828 on Monday, December 18, with one death reported in Kerala, where JN.1 was recently detected. In response to this development, the central government has issued advisories to state governments urging them to make adequate health arrangements.
Covid-19 variant JN.1 Symptoms:
The symptoms associated with the new COVID variant are generally mild to moderate, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Fever, runny nose, sore throat, and headaches are all possible symptoms.
Most patients have mild upper respiratory symptoms that go away in four to five days.
The new variant may manifest as nausea and loss of appetite. Sudden difficulty feeling hungry, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, is identified as a possible indication of the JN.1 variant, and medical consultation is recommended.
Extreme fatigue is another sign of the JN.1 variant. These symptoms, which include extreme exhaustion and muscle weakness, go beyond typical COVID-19 fatigue. Basic tasks may appear to be monumental, and individuals who experience such fatigue should seek medical attention.
Individuals infected with the JN.1 variant may also experience gastrointestinal issues, leading to changes in digestive health in rare cases. Vomiting and nausea are possible symptoms.
According to the CDC, the increase in cases suggests that JN.1 is more contagious than other strains. Experts are concerned because of the holiday season, low COVID-19 vaccine rates, and the presence of a new, transmissible variant.
According to Health, Jill Foster, MD, division director of pediatric infectious diseases at the University of Minnesota Medical School, advised, “The biggest thing people can do is wear a mask when they’re in crowded places around a lot of strangers.”
Currently, over 90% of Covid cases in India are mild and are managed at home.