A number of variants have emerged during the pandemic, and some are of public health concern due to their potential for increased transmission, disease severity, or ability to evade immunity acquired from vaccination or previous infection. The variant currently discovered is JN.1.
The JN.1 corona virus variant is a derivative of the BA.2.86 variant, which is also known as the Pirola variant from Omicron. This variant was first detected in the United States in September 2023 and has since become the most common virus variant spreading across the country. In mid-December, JN.1 accounted for 44% of COVID-19 cases across the country, up from about 7% at the start of the month. In the UK, JN.1 accounts for around 7% of positive COVID-19 tests.
Symptoms of infection with the new JN.1 covid variant are similar to previous COVID-19 variants, including cough, fever, body aches and fatigue. Although it is currently the fastest growing variant in the United States, accounting for 15-29% of infections, the CDC does not yet know whether JN.1 is contributing to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Covid-19 JN.1
The COVID-19 JN.1 variant can cause symptoms similar to flu and general symptoms of COVID-19. Some of the symptoms experienced by sufferers of COVID-19 Variant JN.1 include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough until short of breath
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Have a cold
- Headache
- Ulcer
- Loss of ability to smell or nasal congestion
- Sore throat
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
More Severe Symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or feeling of pressure in the chest
- Confusion or difficulty waking up
- Bluish color of skin or lips
If someone experiences these symptoms, it is recommended to carry out a swab test to confirm infection with COVID-19 Variant JN.1
How to Prevent COVID-19
To prevent transmission of COVID-19, especially the JN.1 variant, you can follow these preventive steps:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Reduce contact with sick people, and maintain a physical distance of at least 1 meter.
- Maintain coughing and sneezing etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow or a tissue.
- Wear a mask, especially in public places or when interacting with other people.
- Stay away from crowds and poorly ventilated rooms.
By complying with these steps, it is hoped that it can help prevent the transmission of COVID-19, including the JN.1 variant
It is important to remember that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Additionally, some people may have the infection without showing symptoms or experiencing only mild symptoms.
Steps to Manage the Spread of Viruses
If someone has been exposed to COVID-19, steps taken can help manage symptoms, prevent the spread of the virus, and promote recovery. Here are some steps you can take:
- Self-isolation.
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Get enough rest to help the body fight infection.
- If you have not been vaccinated, consider getting a COVID-19 vaccine if authorized by local health officials. Vaccination can help protect against severe symptoms.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use a mask if you have to interact with other people or are in a shared space.
Follow quarantine guidelines recommended by local health officials to ensure you do not spread the virus to others.
If symptoms get worse or persist, contact a doctor immediately for further medical assistance. It is always important to follow the guidelines and recommendations provided by local health authorities and take precautions to protect yourself and others.
Article written by Dr. Salva Badjarad, Sp.P (Lung & Respiratory Specialist Doctor at EMC Tangerang Hospital).