JN 1 COVID Variant: Symptoms, Detection, Precautions And Treatments

The emergence of the JN.1 variant of COVID-19, a descendant of the BA.2.86 Omicron lineage, has caused widespread concern among healthcare workers and the general public. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) projects that JN.1 cases will increase through the winter, and the World Health Organization (WHO) also declared JN1 as a “Variant Of Interest.”

With its high transmissibility and ability to evade the immune system, this new strain is spreading rapidly across the globe. It was first identified in Luxembourg in late August 2023 and has now spread to countries including the USA, China, and India. India has been put on alert after a positive case of JN1 was detected in Kerala around the 8th of December. 

Here, we will explore the symptoms of JN 1 COVID variant along with its preventions, detection tests and possible treatments. Continue reading to know more about the JN1 COVID variant! 

Table Of Contents

1. What Is JN1 Variant Of COVID-19?

2. What Are The Symptoms Of JN1 Covid Variant?

3. Who Is At A Higher Risk Of JN1 COVID Variant?

4. How Can I Test For The JN1 Variant Of Covid-19?

5. How Can We Protect Ourselves From The JN1 Covid Variant?

6. What Is The Treatment For The JN1 Strain Coronavirus Infection?

7. The Final Say

8. FAQs

9. References

What Is JN1 Variant Of COVID-19?

The World Health Organization (WHO), on December 19 2023, classified the JN.1 coronavirus strain as a "variant of interest”. The J.1 variant of COVID-19 is a new subtype of the omicron virus with slight mutations in the spike proteins. It is closely related to Pirola variant BA.2.86, a fellow Omicron descendant first reported in the U.S. this past summer. 

It is a highly transmissible virus and can easily evade the immune system due to mutation of the main antigenic spike protein against which the vaccines were created. Individuals who have had COVID-19 infection or have taken the vaccine are as susceptible to this new strain as those who have not. Let us understand the early signs of the JN1 COVID variant.

What Are The Symptoms Of JN1 Covid Variant?

Although the signs and symptoms of the JN1 variant of COVID-19 are similar to those of cold and flu, there are some factors that may differ according to the individual’s immunity and overall health rather than which variant causes the infection.

• Runny Nose 

• Cough 

• Headache 

• Weakness or tiredness 

• Muscle cramps

• Sore throat 

• Trouble sleeping 

• Stress or anxiety

• Gastric discomfort in some cases 

These are the possible warning signs of JN.1 variant of COVID-19, and if you observe any of the given signals, consult your doctor and get tested for COVID-19

Who Is At A Higher Risk Of JN1 COVID Variant?

The new COVID variant JN.1 is highly transmissible and therefore, some people need to be extra careful to avoid getting sick from a new sub-variant of COVID-19, as it can be serious and even deadly for:

• Small children (0-10 years)

• Pregnant women

• Older adults over the age of 60 years. 

• People suffering from chronic diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), diabetes, hypertension, and so on.

• People with HIV, cancers, and genetic immunological disorders.

How Can I Test For The JN1 Variant Of Covid-19?

The following methods can test the presence of JN1 variant of COVID-19:

1. Rapid Antigen test kit for COVID-19

It is an in vitro diagnostic test done for qualitatively detecting SARS-CoV-2 antigen. It is usually done from human nasal samples. 

2. RT-PCR for COVID-19 

Another method is using Real-time RT–PCR. It is a nuclear-derived method used for detecting the presence of specific viruses.

Preventive Measures For JN1 Covid Variant

The preventive measures for the JN1 variant are similar to the ones followed during the COVID-19 period like: 

1. Vaccination: Get vaccinated as per healthcare recommendations and stay updated on booster shot guidelines. 

2. Consult Your Doctor: If you feel any of the mentioned symptoms, it is best to consult your medical professional to get the first-line treatment.

3. Social Distancing: It is best to avoid crowded places, unnecessary social gatherings, and contact with infected individuals. 

4. Wear masks: Try to wear masks when you step out for grocery shopping, malls, hospitals, or visiting crowded places. 

5. Use A Hand Sanitiser: Always keep a hand sanitiser with you to maintain hand hygiene and ensure using it after touching infected surfaces.

6. Cover up coughs and sneezes: Use a handkerchief or tissue to cover your mouth while sneezing or coughing.

7. Do Not Share Your Belongings: Try to avoid sharing your things like comb, towel, handkerchiefs, utensils etc.

8. Eat healthy and nutritious: Supplement your body with natural supplements and food that boost your immunity, like those rich in vitamin C, Vitamin D and zinc.

Also Read: Post-Covid Diet Plan In India: Foods For Covid Patients

What Is The Treatment For The JN1 Strain Coronavirus Infection?

For effective recovery, there are various treatment options that you can follow like:

Also Read: Post-Covid Diet Plan In India: Foods For Covid Patients

The Final Say

It is important to stay up-to-date on symptoms and precautions related to the JN1 COVID variant, which is a new and modified subtype of the Omicron virus. Even though the new variant is not reported as life-threatening, it's important to see a doctor if you feel unwell or experience any of the symptoms listed above. Make sure to follow the guidelines of the World Health Organization to stay informed. 

FAQs

1. How many COVID-19 variants are there?

There are a total of 9 COVID-19 variants:

• Alpha

• Beta

• Gamma

• Delta

• Eta

• Iota

• Kappa

• Lambda

• Omicron

2. What is a “variant of interest”?

It is basically a mutation that is known to create major differences from the original strain and is widely diffused in numerous regions or countries

3. What are the JN1 COVID variant cases in India?

India reported 358 new cases of COVID-19 on 21 Dec, 2023, taking the total number of cases to 2,669. The highest number of cases were reported in Kerala, with 300 new cases. 

4. What are the JN1 COVID sequences around the world?

The countries reporting the largest proportion of JN.1 sequences are

• France (20.1%, 1552 sequences)

• The United States of America (14.2%, 1072 sequences)

• Singapore (12.4%, 934 sequences)

• Canada (6.8%, 512 sequences)

• the United Kingdom (5.6% 422 sequences)

• Sweden (5.0%, 381 sequences)

  
  

5. Is the JN 1 variant serious?

Although it is highly transmissible, so far, no data suggests that this variant JN.1 is life-threatening or more severe than the previous ones.

6. Can one get COVID again?

Yes, COVID is a communicable disease, and it is possible to get infected from it twice, thrice or even more times.

References 

1. https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/ 

2. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/how-to/covid-jn-1-virus-arrives-in-india

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