The JN.1 Variant: Unraveling the Impact, Symptoms, and Strategies for COVID-19 Safety 11/01/2024
As people huddle indoors due to cold winters and seasonal flu viruses like the flu and cold, SARS-CoV-2 ( Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), the coronavirus that kills COVID-19. The tape that just got attention is called JN.1, and it's been pretty busy so far.
Predicting the evolution of coronaviruses and their offspring will be difficult, if not impossible. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects JN.1 cases to increase during the winter. The World Health Organization (WHO) JN.1 also called it a " “variant of interest”.
In recent years, the prospect of three viruses - SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV - hitting at the same time in autumn and winter has sparked fears of a "triple-demic".
According to data issued by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday, 62% of COVID-19 infections in the United States are currently caused by the coronavirus variety that is spreading the quickest, JN.1.
Two weeks ago, the variant accounted for 39% of instances, and four weeks ago, it accounted for 21%.
Assessing JN.1's Impact: A Comparative Analysis with Previous COVID Variants
According to a CDC spokeswoman, it's still too early to draw exact comparisons between JN.1's takeover and other variants, but "thus far its projection is similar to BA.2, which predominated in March-May 2022." "The original emergence of the first omicron in November/December 2021 was much more dramatic," the spokesperson went on to say.
Since early November, the number of Covid hospitalizations has increased. According to an
NBC News reviewed the most recent available Health and Human Services data, and new hospital admissions increased 28% in the two weeks ending Dec. 30. However, they have not kept up with the surge of infections.
"Severe disease and hospitalization rates are approximately 30% lower than they were at the same time last year." This essentially means that each virus is less likely to cause illness that necessitates medical attention, which is good news for our hospital systems and individuals alike," said Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist and scientific adviser to the CDC.
What are the New Symptoms of COVID-19 Seen Recently?
The ONS data from the United Kingdom reveals two new COVID symptoms.
As the number of patients with COVID-19 due to the JN.1 strain continues to rise, two new symptoms related to the disease of COVID-19 have appeared. These figures are confirmed by the Office for National Statistics (UK ONS). Globally, the number of cases of COVID-19 is increasing rapidly. More than 4,000 active cases of COVID-19 have been identified in India. The first case of the JN.1 strain was found in Kerala on December 8.
Two new symptoms of coronavirus are sleep problems and anxiety.
"In the latest data from the Office for National Statistics, it revealed as well as the usual symptoms previously reported by people with Covid, such as runny noses, coughs, headaches, and weakness, some have said they have experienced trouble sleeping and anxiety as well”
Other symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to those seen in the first wave of infections. Some of these include fever or chills, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle aches, body aches, headache, loss of taste and smell, sore throat, swelling, runny nose, nausea, and diarrhea.
JN.1: More Transmissible, Impact on Sleep, and Immunity
- JN.1’s dominance suggests it is more transmissible than other strains and is driving new infections: Type JN.1 spreads faster. Thomas Russo, MD, professor and director of infectious diseases at the University of Buffalo in New York, told Prevention.com that an abnormality in the spike protein JN.1 is more effective. They have a better ability to avoid their parents. "There are reports of laboratory results suggesting that JN.1 is more transmissible," he said.
- The JN.1 is much tougher than its predecessor
- The most crucial symptom (Sleeplessness): The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased stress, anxiety, and uncertainty, leading to an increase in sleep disorders. Too much stress and anxiety can lead to insomnia, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. A lot of information about epidemics, health problems, and lifestyle changes can alter sleep patterns. In addition, breathing problems, pain, or fever can occur, which affects the quality of sleep. Adequate sleep is essential for a healthy immune system, so addressing insomnia related to COVID-19 is essential for overall well-being during these difficult times.
- According to the CDC, a notable feature of JN.1 is its rapid development. This suggests that JN.1 may be better able to evade the immune system or be transmitted more easily. After first registering in the USA in September, JN.1 accounted for 3.5% of COVID-19 cases in mid-November, but increased to only 21% for the month after December, according to CDC estimates.
- At the same time, despite the increase in COVID-19 cases, it was difficult to say whether the cause was JN.1 or other new coronaviruses. Based on past patterns, the CDC expects cases of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses to increase this fall and winter.
- The difference between BA.2.86 and JN.1 is a single mutation in the spike protein. This single change may change the characteristics that characterize the virus, although preliminary research shows that it may provide extra immune evasion.
Stay Safe: Vaccines, Hygiene, and Guidelines for JN.1 Protection
To stay safe during COVID, regular hand hygiene should be practiced with soap and water
Vaccines are currently available to treat all three diseases. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available to everyone 6 months and older. And new RSV prevention is available for vulnerable groups with two vaccine options for adults 60 and older. There is also a monoclonal antibody for babies and young children and a vaccine for pregnant women to provide antibodies to help protect newborns from RSV from birth to six months.
The COVID-19 vaccine released this fall offers more protection against JN.1. In addition, tests for COVID-19 can detect JN.1 and other variants, and antiviral treatments should always be effective against these variants.
A preprint study found that the updated shots from Moderna and Pfizer increased antibody protection against JN.1 up to 13-fold, depending on a person's vaccination and infection history. However, the study was not peer-reviewed. Both JN.1 and the variant targeted by the vaccine - XBB.1.5 - are micronic variants, so they share some genetic similarities. But JN.1 spike light has more than 30 extra mutations compared to XBB.1.5.
Wear masks in crowded places, maintain physical distance, and follow local guidelines. Due to the dynamic nature of the pandemic, take a proactive and cautious approach.