New COVID-19 Variant JN.1 Spreading Rapidly In India: Warning Symptoms of COVID You Should Know

New COVID Wave In India: What is the JN.1 COVID variant? Know its key symptoms, how fast it's spreading, and whether your vaccine can still protect you against this new threat.

New COVID-19 Variant JN.1 Spreading Rapidly In India: Warning Symptoms of COVID You Should Know

New COVID-19 Wave In India: Health authorities are monitoring the JN.1 variant as infections rise in several Asian countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and Thailand. This strain, which is a subvariant of Omicron, has spread to many regions. While there's no sign of a considerable spike in India, officials are staying cautious. So far, the country has reported over 257 cases. Indian actress Shilpa Shirodkar who is famous for her roles in blockbusters from the 1990s, revealed that she has been infected with COVID-19 recently.

What Is JN.1 COVID Variant?

Currently, the JN.1 variant, which stems from the BA.2.86 subvariant of Omicron, is only classified as a "variant of interest" by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The organisation has highlighted that the risk it poses to global public health is, for the time being, minimal. It's known as a variant of interest due to its non-recognisable techniques during the monitoring process. There's evidence that JN.1 may partially escape the body's own antibodies gained through vaccines or prior infections.

Symptoms of JN.1 COVID Variant

Until now, the new COVID 19 variant has caused less or very mild damage. The symptoms are similar to those of previous Omicron sub variants.

How to identify: -

1. Cough- usually a Dry cough, and a scratchy sensation.
2. Fever- mild and for a short duration.
3. Sore throat- more prevalent in the early stage, feeling of irritation in the throat due to infection.
4. Running or blocked Nose- the patient feels a watery nose, and it hinders breathing.
5. Difficulty in Breathing- it's a severe situation during which the patient feels heaviness in the chest, is unable to inhale properly, oxygen level drops. Immediate consultation with the doctor is needed.
6. Fatigue or Tiredness- feeling of weakness even without doing hectic work, and a rest position.
7. Headache- it may range from mild, moderate or severe.
8. Pain in Body Muscles- body muscles and joints start aching.

Is the JN.1 Variant More Contagious or Mild?

1. High Transmissibility: JN.1 is a descendant of the BA.2.86, which has the ability to transmit more and easily, it can also infect even vaccinated individual.
2. Rapid Spread: It has started overcoming previous variants, spreading at a high rate, indicating that it has a relative transmissibility advantage over them.
3. Severity of Illness: Usually mild symptoms: Most cases are mildly to moderately symptomatic at this stage, but can also infect previously infected or vaccinated persons.
4. Hospitalizations: In this context, there are fewer cases of hospitalisation or death outcomes. But the senior or elderly individuals are still at risk.

Is Prior Vaccination Still Effective?

Research shows that previous vaccination is not very effective against the new variant; it depends on person-to-person transmission. But the JN.1 mutation allows the infection to partially evade immunity and break through the natural barriers of the human body.

Booster timing also matters; if the individual hasn't had a booster vaccine within 6-12 months, they may have less protection against JN.1 infection.

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