In the wake of the primary reported case of the JN.1 variant of COVID-19 in Kerala, the already complicated battle towards the virus has taken a brand new flip. This extremely contagious sub-variant presents signs akin to the unique virus, together with fever, sore throat, and runny nostril. While sure teams, such because the aged and people with pre-existing well being situations, stay notably weak, the virus itself doesn’t discriminate, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing vigilance.
Dr Rupkatha Sen, Chief Intensivist – Critical Care at SRV Hospitals – Chembur shares extra on COVID preparedness, she provides, “As the festive season approaches, responsible behavior becomes paramount.”
1. Stay Informed: Keep your self up to date on the newest developments, particularly with the emergence of the JN.1 variant. Knowledge is essential in making knowledgeable choices to guard your self and others.
2. Prioritize Basic Precautions: Adhere to foundational precautions, resembling social distancing, mask-wearing, and sustaining meticulous hand hygiene. These easy but efficient measures stay our first line of protection towards the virus.
3. Be Mindful of Symptoms: Given the similarities between the JN.1 variant and the unique virus, pay shut consideration to signs like fever, sore throat, and runny nostril. Early detection may help in well timed intervention.
4. Protect the Vulnerable: Recognize that sure teams, just like the aged and people with pre-existing well being situations, are extra inclined. Take further precautions to make sure their security and well-being.
5. Celebrate Responsibly: With the festive season approaching, contemplate limiting gatherings to smaller, close-knit teams. Ensure correct air flow in indoor settings to reduce the chance of transmission.
6. Embrace Shared Responsibility: Acknowledge that our actions collectively form the trajectory of the pandemic. Celebrate responsibly, defend the weak, and prioritize public well being to contribute to a safer and more healthy group.
According to Prof. Dr Rahul Pandit, Chair, Critical Care, Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital, “Whenever a brand new variant or sub-lineage comes out, there are 4 questions which come to your thoughts.
– First is, is it quickly transmissible than the present variant which is in circulation?
– Second, is it extra deadly?
– Third, does it have an immune escape? That means, the immunity which we’ve got acquired, would it not have an immune escape phenomenon in order that even individuals who have taken vaccine over, so-called immune, would have an an infection once more?
– And the fourth one is, would it not have a capability to flee testing additionally?
So, on this present JL.1 variant, it appears like there’s some spike in protein mutation. And there’s a risk, that it might be somewhat bit extra transmissible than the present variant. We don’t have readability but on how far more and the way fast will that be. The finest precaution is masking, particularly in public locations.”
Source: zeenews.india.com
