Does JN.1 have the same symptoms as other COVID variants?

Confirming the incoming of the new COVID strain, India had a spike in Covid-19 cases on December 20, with 614 new infections reported in the previous day—the highest number since May 21. The COVID subvariant JN.1, which was initially discovered in Kerala, is the cause of the recent increase in instances. According to health professionals, the symptoms seem to be the same as those of previous viral strains.

What are some common symptoms of JN.1?

Experts say that while the majority of symptoms are modest, some may cause concern for certain individuals. Although much more research is needed, according to Dr. Rajneesh Srivastava, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Max Hospital in Gurugram, "as of the latest reports from patients infected fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, and, in certain situations, mild gastrointestinal issues are among the initial symptoms. Usually, symptoms go better in four to five days. Some patients may also have breathing difficulties. Similar to certain previously discovered strains, the JN.1 strain causes fever, body aches, coughing, sore throats, runny noses, and anosmia (loss of smell).

Is COVID strain JN.1 severely dangerous?

The types of symptoms and how severe they are usually depend more on a person's immunity and overall health rather than which variant causes the infection," the CDC noted. However, WHO confirms that the preliminary data from Belgium and Singapore shows that , JN.1 may be associated with the same or a lower risk of hospitalizations.

In a study released on December 8, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added that there was "no indication of increased severity from JN.1 at this time.” Yet, according to the WHO, JN.1's changes appear to be sufficient to surpass those of other strains in eluding the body's defenses, speeding up infections at a time when COVID-19 cases were already predicted to climb along with other winter respiratory dangers like flu and RSV. Based on its genetic features, JN.1 may possess some antigenic advantage evading previous immunity," according to the World Health Organization.

What is the spreading rate of JN.1 cases?

JN.1 is currently the strain with the greatest rate of growth in the nation, accounting for more than 1 in 5 infections worldwide, according to estimates released by the CDC earlier this month. The CDC stated that the strain is expected to become the predominant variation across the globe .

While the recent cases of JN.1 are still below peaks observed during the height of last winter's infections around New Year's Day, but higher than those observed in October after the late summer wave, it becomes imperative to follow all COVID guidelines like masking, washing hands and maintaining distance mandatory.