Introduction

As we enter the festive finale of 2023, a renewed surge in COVID cases in India prompts people to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour. On December 8th, Kerala reported its first infection from the SARS-CoV variant, JN.1. Discovered earlier in the year in the United States and China, this JN.1 strain is now classified by the World Health Organization as a ‘Variant of Interest,’ intensifying global health concerns. 

 As per reports, cases of the JN.1 COVID variant in India are on the rise and have been reported in Kerala, Maharashtra and Goa. The total caseload of COVID cases in India stands at 1970 as of December 19th, 2023.

Explore with us the unfolding narrative of this new COVID variant and its potential impact.

How did the JN.1 COVID variant develop and are COVID vaccines effective against it? 

Any virus, including the COVID-19 virus, mutates over time for mainly two reasons. 

Firstly, the virus’ cell composition keeps changing in order to counter the factors that challenge its existence, such as immunisation and inoculation. 

Secondly, when a virus replicates itself, random copying errors (mutations) happen. These errors can alter the virus, usually in very minor ways. 

These reasons create new variants of a virus. 

The JN.1 variant of COVID is structurally similar to another older variant of Omicron that the CDC has been studying since August 2023, called BA.2.86 or the Pirola variant. Some minor mutations of the spike protein differentiate JN.1 from BA.2.86. 

The novel coronavirus mutates at least four times more slowly than other RNA viruses like the influenza virus. This means that fewer new variants show up every year. There also don’t seem to be many antigenic changes in the coronavirus mutations (when mutations lead to antigenic drift and antigenic shift, human immunity can’t recognise and fight the virus even if the person is vaccinated). 

That means the current COVID-19 vaccines will continue to shield the population from the circulating variants. People will still catch the infection when exposed to the covid virus, but vaccines may help reduce the severity and hospitalisations.

Global research organisations continue to remain vigilant and study the mutations and the efficacy of the existing vaccines against them. 

Is JN.1 contagious and what are the JN.1 COVID variant symptoms? 

In terms of transmissibility and mildness of symptoms, JN.1 is similar to the Omicron variant- BA.2.86. In one month, JN.1 became 0.1% of SARS-Cov-2 viruses in the USA. It is expected to encompass 15-29% of SARS-CoV in the USA in the coming months. 

JN.1. spreads the same way as any other COVID variant- through respiratory droplets of infected people. The virus can enter a healthy human being when the person inhales the respiratory droplets or touches anything that was recently touched by an infected person who had sneezed or coughed into their hand and left the virus on the surface. 

JN.1 appears to continue the trend of new variants being highly contagious but causing infections that are not severe. 

According to WHO, JN.1 COVID symptoms can present a full spectrum of disease ranging from mild to severe. Listed below are some common symptoms-

• Gastrointestinal problems such as pain in the abdomen, bloating and diarrhoea
• Headache and body aches
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Fever 
• Cough

The symptoms usually go away within 5 days and may vary from person to person.

Breathing problem is not a common symptom of JN.1 and has been observed in some people with pre-diagnosed respiratory disorders. Consult a doctor and get tested if you fall sick.

There is no evidence yet that JN.1 is more dangerous than the other variants, but with further studies, this notion will become clearer. CDC also believes that the rise in cases is because of the fact that COVID variants follow a pattern of peaking twice a year- once towards the end of summer and again towards the end of the year/during New Year. 

What happens now? 

According to the CDC and several other organisations, JN.1 COVID cases are likely to rise in January 2024. Like other countries, in India too governments are closely monitoring the situation and healthcare services are in standby mode for any emergency. As of now, there is no cause for alarm. 

What should you do to reduce your risk of catching COVID? 

Since JN.1 COVID cases may start spreading and we don’t yet know how rapidly this will happen, we should all be cautious. We have to resume practising COVID hygiene-

• Wash your hands thoroughly before eating or handling food. 
• Use sanitizers to disinfect your hands when you are outside and touching surfaces that have come in contact with others, such as lift buttons, handrails in public transport, cab door handles, fingerprint scanners in offices, grocery packets, etc. 
• Wear masks in public spaces. 
• Follow respiratory etiquettes.
• Avoid shaking hands. 
• Do not touch your nose, eyes or mouth with hands that are not disinfected. 
• If you haven’t yet been vaccinated, talk to your doctor and do what is necessary. 
• If you have comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, or respiratory disorders, consult your doctor and make sure that you are managing the condition and taking your prescribed medication as per the dosage. 
• Consult a doctor and avoid self-medication if you feel unwell.

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Conclusion

COVID variants are here to stay and just like the flu, there will be flare-ups of cases from time to time. That is why it’s crucial to always be hygienic and responsible and follow healthy practices like eating nutritious foods and working out regularly. There is no need for panic, and we should adhere to the instructions of our doctors, healthcare bodies and governments. 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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References

1. https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/18122023_jn.1_ire_clean.pdf?sfvrsn=6103754a_3
2. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/whats-new/SARS-CoV-2-variant-JN.1.html
3. https://www.who.int/news/item/13-12-2023-statement-on-the-antigen-composition-of-covid-19-vaccines
4. https://www.who.int/news/item/18-05-2023-statement-on-the-antigen-composition-of-covid-19-vaccines
5. https://apps.who.int/iris/rest/bitstreams/1528680/retrieve