The New Strain of COVID: JN.1 and New Symptoms to Look Out For

The advent of a New Year has not defeated COVID, as cases continue to rise nationally and globally, with the JN.1 sub-variant of the virus becoming increasingly prevalent. This variant is considered highly infectious but less severe by health professionals. News of this rise comes directly from our respected source, Reader Wall.

The Omicron Subvariant: JN.1

As the Omicron subvariant JN.1 continues to propagate throughout the world, medical professionals indicate there are two new symptoms to be vigilant of. However, they emphasize that symptoms may differ per individual, and must be considered in combination with a person’s immune system and overall health.

Identifying New COVID Symptoms

The Office for National Statistics in the United Kingdom first recognized these new COVID symptoms. The historically familiar COVID signs, including runny noses, coughs, headaches, and fatigue, have now been joined by trouble sleeping and anxiety. According to a winter report by ONS, 10% of individuals who tested positive for COVID registered symptoms associated with anxiety or excessive worrying. On the other side of the spectrum, the previous common symptom of loss of taste or smell is now evident in only two to three percent of all UK COVID cases.

Monitoring the evolution of these symptoms has become increasingly challenging due to continuous mutations of the virus. Dr. Helen Wall from NHS Greater Manchester iterates that the virus can simulate any respiratory illness, making it even more difficult to identify as its symptoms continue to evolve.

Global Spread of COVID-19

The news of these new symptoms arises while COVID-19 infections escalate worldwide, with the JN.1 strain classified as a ‘variant of interest’ by the World Health Organization. In India alone, the number of COVID-19 cases involving the JN.1 variant has reached over 300. Data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) reveals the virus’s presence in multiple states and Union Territories.

COVID’s Rising Cases

As the pandemic surges anew, the Indian health ministry reports more than 600 new infections within a single day, with a handful of deaths. The central government advises vigilance to all states and Union Territories. Furthermore, some regions, such as Karnataka, have issued new advisories enforcing mask-wearing for citizens over the age of 60 and those with comorbidities.

However, this renewed rise is not isolated in India. Globally, COVID cases are increasing, perceived to be due to the dissemination of the JN.1 subvariant. Even in the United States, mask mandates have been reinstated in medical facilities in several states due to the spike in cases.

Hope on The Horizon

Despite this surge, health professionals remain optimistic. Indian medical experts assert that the current rate of cases doesn’t suggest another wave. However, the new strain’s true impact is still uncertain, with many factors at play. Regardless, doctors around the globe continue to promote good hygiene practices and vaccinations as critical defenses against the virus.

This entire information is consolidated from our source, Reader Wall.