4 Precautions To Follow In Response To The New COVID Variant Surge

It has been more than two years since the emergence of COVID-19, a virus that disrupted the entire world. While the number of COVID-19 cases has decreased significantly, there are speculations about how the virus or virus variant might change over time. A virus can get more efficient in spreading faster and infecting more people.

What you need to know:

What is the new COVID variant all about?
Is the new COVID variant infectious?
Spread and transmission
Symptoms of the new COVID variant
Precaution to keep In mind
Vaccine efficacy
Is the new COVID variant dangerous?

What is the new COVID variant all about?

A variant of the Omicron virus has resurfaced in the United States, China, Singapore, and India through its newest variant, BA 2.86 (Pirola), sub-lineage JN.1. The first case in India was reported on December 8, 2023 in Kerala, where a 78-year-old woman experienced mild symptoms, but she has fully recovered now. Already classified as a Variant of Interest (VOI), the World Health Organization (WHO) has shown increasing concerns with respect to JN.1, which is suspected to weaken one’s immunity greatly. This new variant emerged in the winter season, when respiratory problems rise, especially in cities with bad air quality index (AQI) levels. Therefore, it is imperative to take proactive steps to keep the new COVID variant at bay.

Is the new COVID variant infectious?

According to WHO, the virus strains are getting better at weakening our immunity. While 35 nations have noticed the presence of this virus, JN.1 is not considered severe as most people have recovered. Many health experts also consider it a low-risk virus, and people who have taken both doses of COVID-19 are safe.

Spread and transmission

The transmission of the new COVID variant is influenced by factors such as its ability to spread more easily or evade immunity. Common modes typically involve respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.

Symptoms of the new COVID variant

Here are some of the common new COVID variant symptoms that you might experience:

Fever or chills
Cough, sore throat
Difficulty breathing
Blocked or runny nose
Fatigue
Muscle aches
Diarrhea

Precaution to keep In mind

Here are some basic steps that you can take to avoid this new COVID variant:

Stay home if you experience any aforementioned symptoms and report to a doctor if your symptoms worsen or immunity weakens significantly.
Wear a mask when you go out, especially in crowded and enclosed areas.
Follow the basic respiratory etiquette of covering your mouth and nose while sneezing.
Stay in ventilated spaces.
Sanitize your hands frequently.

Vaccine efficacy

According to WHO, the updated vaccines are effective against the new COVID variant, JN.1. Patients who suffered from Omicron also exhibited strong neutralizing activity against JN.1. It’s safe to say that both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are very efficient against this new COVID variant.

Is the new COVID variant dangerous?

There is no evidence to suggest that the JN.1 is more serious than other COVID-19 variants. It does not have a high fatality rate. So, if everyone follows the precautions, there will be no reason to panic.

To prevent being infected by the JN.1 virus, follow social distancing and take precautionary steps like wearing a mask and keeping your hands clean to keep this COVID variant at a distance.

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