What We Know About New Covid Variant JN.1

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Covid-19 JN.1 is a descendant of the BA.2.86 variant (an Omicron sub-variant)

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The WHO has classified Covid-19 JN.1 as a “variant of interest”

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According to the CDC, JN.1 may be more transmissible compared to other strains

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But WHO has mentioned that the global public health risk posed by JN.1 is low

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India has so far confirmed 157 cases of JN.1; highest from Kerala, Gujarat

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Symptoms of the JN.1 variant are usually mild and may improve within 4-5 days

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Symptoms may include fever, runny nose, sore throat, and headaches

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People dealing with illness or who are elderly or immunocompromised are at higher risk of catching JN.1

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Protective measures against the new variant remain the same, wearing masks and handwashing

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There is no need for an additional dose of vaccine for JN.1, as per INSACOG

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