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COVID infections may rebound in January, Chinese health authorities warn

TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Last updated on - Jan 15, 2024, 07:58 IST

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JN.1 might drive the rebound of COVID infections in January

Experts believe people in China will continue to experience various respiratory pathogens alternating or co-circulating in the winter and the coming spring, with influenza viruses still dominating in the short term, according to Global Times report. According to Wang Dayan, director of the China National Influenza Center, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), due to continuous importation of the JN.1 variant strain, a gradual downward trend in domestic influenza, and a decline in population immunity, the COVID-19 epidemic might rebound in January, with the JN.1 variant highly likely to develop into the dominant variant in China.

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“There is a possibility of a rebound of COVID infections”

Addressing a press briefing, National Health Commission spokesperson Mi Feng said that the number of patients received at fever clinics in health institutions across China has witnessed a fluctuating downward trend. At present, respiratory diseases are still mainly influenza, and the infection of COVID-19 is at a relatively low level.
This COVID variant can infect the lower lungs and cause severe disease symptoms

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Cases of JN.1 variant shows an upward trend

According to the recent data from the multi-channel monitoring system, the positive rate of COVID-19 virus testing in sentinel hospitals remained below one per cent after the New Year's Day holiday, and the proportion of the JN.1 variant strain showed an upward trend, Wang Dayan, director of the China National Influenza Center, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) said.

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Should India be worried?

COVID cases due to JN.1 variant are increasing in India though a downfall has been noticed in the overall number of cases. As per INSACOG, in India more than 1,200 COVID cases have been reported in 17 states and Union Territories. The highest number of JN.1 cases have been found in Karnataka followed by Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Goa, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. India has witnessed three waves of COVID-19 in the past with the peak incidence of daily new cases and deaths being reported during the delta wave during April-June 2021. At its peak, 414,188 new cases and 3,915 deaths were reported on May 7, 2021.

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Testing and isolation can curb the spread of the infection

It is important to identify the symptoms of COVID and get tested and remain isolated so that the infection does not spread. COVID symptoms vary but commonly include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include fatigue, body aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, organ failure, and death. Some individuals may remain asymptomatic carriers. Symptoms typically appear 2-14 days after exposure, and the virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets. It's crucial to monitor for symptoms, practice good hygiene, wear masks, and seek medical attention if needed.
(With inputs from agencies)

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​COVID infections may rebound in January, Chinese health authorities warn​