An increase in respiratory ailments and the emergence of a brand new COVID-19 variant has prompted concern amongst individuals whilst docs say there is no have to panic so long as they continue to be vigilant. The first case of the subvariant of COVID-19, JN.1, was confirmed in Kerala on Saturday. A 79-year-old lady within the southern state examined optimistic for the JN.1 sub-variant and whereas she skilled gentle flu-like signs, she has since recovered.
COVID-19 New Subvariant: Symptoms And Precautions To Take For JN.1
JN.1 raises considerations because of various factors. Dr Tushar Tayal, Lead Consultant, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, says, “Descended from the Omicron BA.2.86 variant, JN.1 carries mutations in the spike protein that may make it more transmissible and able to evade immunity. Also, estimates suggest JN.1 already accounts for 15-29% of cases in the United States.”
But Dr Tayal says that there’s some good news. “Symptoms are most mild. Reported symptoms for JN.1 include fever, runny nose, sore throat, and occasional gastrointestinal issues, similar to mild COVID cases. The targeted spike protein makes current vaccines, in all likelihood, effective against JN.1.”
The vital factor is to remain protected. “JN.1’s potential for rapid spread emphasises the importance of preventative measures – frequent handwashing and sanitisation, wearing triple-layer masks properly, and maintaining social distancing. By taking these steps, we can help prevent JN.1 from becoming the dominant strain and keep ourselves and others protected,” says Dr Tayal.
JN.1: World Health Organization’s Warning
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) stated that the virus is evolving and altering and urged the member states to proceed with robust surveillance and sequence sharing. The international physique additionally shared a video of its COVID-19 technical lead, Maria Van Kerkhove, who defined the rationale for the current surges and what precautions might be taken. In the video message, Kerkhove stated that the current surge in respiratory infections is because of a number of causes, together with elevated gatherings through the vacation season and different infections. She defined that the rise in COVID circumstances is as a result of the virus is evolving, including that 68 per cent of the present circumstances are circumstances of XBB sublineages and different groupings like JN.1. “Covid-19 is one of the diseases that is currently on the rise, and this is again due to a number of factors; the virus SARS-Cov-2 is evolving, changing, and circulating in all countries,” Kerkhove stated.
The India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), a community of Genomic Laboratories, has been actively monitoring the genomic elements of COVID-19 in India.
Source: zeenews.india.com
