Corona’s new sub-variant JN.1 is also neutralizing immunity, be careful as soon as you see these 5 symptoms
According to Union Health Ministry data, 594 new Covid-19 infection cases were registered in India on Thursday. Due to this, the number of active cases of Corona has increased from 2311 to 2669. Experts say that Corona cases may increase in the coming time because cases of the new sub-variant JN.1 of Corona have also been reported in India. JN.1 is made from Omicron’s sub-variant BA.2.86 and in the beginning of 2022, it was BA.2.86 that caused devastation.
Not only in India, but the JN.1 Covid-19 variant is spreading rapidly across the world. WHO has already described it as a ‘variant of interest’. But does it pose any serious threat? If yes, how worrying is it? And if not, when should we consider it a matter of serious concern? Let us know.
Does this pose any serious threat?
NITI Aayog Member (Health) VK Paul said, ‘There has been an increase in Covid cases due to the JN.1 variant but there has been no increase in the number of serious cases due to it. This is the same virus which is spreading in other countries also.
WHO says, ‘More studies are needed to know the health effects of the JN.1 variant. JN.1 is affecting even those with strong immunity. Countries where it is cold should also be careful.
Former WHO scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan said, ‘Respiratory infections caused by seasonal flu such as influenza A (HIN1 and H3N2), adenovirus, rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus can cause monsoon-related illnesses because their symptoms also The symptoms are similar to Covid-19.
He further said, ‘It is not possible to test every person with symptoms, so those who are showing serious symptoms should be tested. Those who are admitted to the hospital and have severe respiratory infection or pneumonia should also be examined.
Characteristics of JN.1 variant
Currently, the symptoms of Covid-19 are common in all variants. According to the CDC, the JN.1 variant may or may not spread with new symptoms compared to other variants. So far, the most common symptoms seen in Corona patients include fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache and mild gastrointestinal symptoms.
Should we wear masks?
Former Director of Public Health Dr. K. Kolandaisamy says, ‘It is a good idea to wear a mask in closed crowded places like wedding halls, trains and buses. It protects you from many airborne diseases including Covid. But there is no need to make masks mandatory right now.
‘The elderly, pregnant women and people with weak immunity should avoid going to crowded places. If they do so, they must wear a mask. People with respiratory infections, cold and cough should also wear masks in crowded places.
Is it necessary to take booster dose?
The vaccine has done a good job in preventing serious disease, but still immunity weakness has been observed in many people because people who had already received two doses of the vaccine are also getting infected.
JN.1 has been called a ‘variant of interest’ by WHO due to its trans-miscibility. Updated versions of the vaccine are already available in many countries including India.
Dr. V Ramasubramaniam, infectious disease specialist at Apollo Hospital, said, “The elderly, people with other serious diseases and chronic diseases must get vaccinated.”
