Call the corona virus or Kovid-19 from the year 2020, it was very much seen among the people. Hundreds of people died with this epidemic. Right now people did not forget the devastation caused by Kovid-19 in the manner that in the meantime, cases of Corona have started increasing in some countries of Asia. The number of people infected in Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand is increasing rapidly. The reason for this is Omikron’s JN.1 variant which spreads very quickly and now its effect is being seen in many parts of the world.
Singapore received 14,200 new Corona cases in the week till 3 May, while the number was 11,100 last week. The number of patients hospitalized there has also increased by 30%. Because of this, the health officers there have become more cautious. Things are not good even in Hong Kong. The spread of Corona is being told very much there. According to Health Officer Albert Au, this year the most corona positive cases have been reported so far. 31 people have also died in a single week, which is the highest in a year. Many people are hospitalized in critical condition.
There are less corona cases in India, but there is definitely a slight increase. As of May 19, 257 active cases have been reported. Due to increasing cases in nearby countries, the doctors and health offers of India are on alert and are monitoring the situation so that some necessary steps can be taken in time. But the question arises that what is this new variant of Omikron JN.1? What are its symptoms and how does it spread? Let’s know
What is JN.1 variant?
JN.1 Corona is a new form of virus, which is associated with Omikron. It originates from an old variant named Ba.2.86, also known as Pirola. This variant was first identified in the end of 2023. After this it spread rapidly in countries like America, UK, India, Singapore and Hong Kong.
In this variant, there is a special change in spike protein (the part of the virus which it clies to the body’s cells). Due to this change, this virus can spread faster. It can also be absorbed by the body’s immunity, which was formed after getting the vaccine or covid first.
How dangerous is JN.1?
According to the current figures, JN.1 variants are similar to Omikron’s old variants and the risk of serious illness is very low. In most people, its symptoms have been seen lightly from to the medium level. These include symptoms like sore throat, flowing nose, mild fever, fatigue and cough. These symptoms are very similar to the earlier Omikron virus.
However, the biggest concern of JN.1 is its ability to spread rapidly. This variant can spread very easily from one person to another, so its cases can increase rapidly.
So far, there has not been a lot of increase in the number of people who are admitted to the dosals, but still the elderly people, the people who are already sick and whose immunity are weak needs to be cautious.
There is no need to panic about this variant, but caution and vigilance is very important, so that the virus can be prevented from spreading.
Kovid’s new variant jn.1 What alarm bell
Corona is once again knocking in some parts of Asia. In India, the maximum number of 257 active cases have been registered in India, which has intensified the movement among the people. However, AIIMS expert Dr. Sanjay Roy says that JN-1 is a year old variant, no new virus. Nor is it a new strain. Positive cases are coming out because tests are being done. In the current situation, there is nothing to panic about JN.1. So far, science says that it is common cold, nothing more than this. The Ministry of Health also says that the situation is under control.
Sanjay Roy, an expert of AIIMS community medicine and head of the Corona vaccine trial, said that the Corona Family has more than a thousand variants. However, there are mainly seven viruses that affect humans. By 2002, the Corona virus (Cov) was considered a minor virus for humans. But in the last 20 to 25 years, if we look at its effect, the 5th virus of the Korona family came to the sevier acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). This was followed by this family’s sixth virus Middle East Respiratory syndrome corona virus (Mers-Cov). Now its 7th virus is Kovid-19. As far as the current situation is concerned, now it is common cold. There is no evidence of it being more dangerous.
Will have to talk on the basis of scientific understanding
Doctor Sanjay said that science should be on the basis of science. One should not talk with information from WhatsApp. JN.1 There is nothing new in the variant. Is one year old. There is no science behind talking so much about this. He raised the question and said that if someone has a commercial interest then it is a different matter, but it does not last for a long time. A country like America also got the covid vaccination of children up to six months old, while we talked about science. Our government also paid attention to it and children below the age of 12 did not get a single vaccine and the virus had nothing on them. We have to understand and talk only on the basis of scientific understanding.
The variant was also found earlier in sequening JN.1
Genome sequening was done to monitor the corona virus in Delhi, but sources say it is still closed. However, an expert associated with sequening claimed that this new variant is already found in JN.1, was also found in our sequencing earlier. So I do not think this variant will be more effective for us. At the same time, another expert said that even covid positives are not coming out, so sequencing is also not happening. Sequening can be done only when new cases come. In this regard, Dr. Jugal Kishore, an expert of community medicine of Safdarjung Hospital, said that surveillance is necessary, the behavior of the virus should be monitored and there should be an alert about its effect.
3 covid positive in Delhi in last seven days
According to the Central Government report, a total of 257 cases have come, which are the highest in the last one year. Of these, 164 cases have been confirmed after May 12. There are currently 5 cases active in Delhi, but 3 of these cases have come after May 12. Most of the cases are coming from Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. The review of the Ministry of Health and ICMR states that most of the cases are light. There is no need to be hospitalized. At present there is no panic condition, but the surveillance has been increased.
What is jn.1 variants?
JN.1 is a new variant of Omikron’s Ba.2.86 family. It was first recognized in August 2023. There have been about 30 changes in it, which help protect it from the immunity of the body. Foreign scientists claim that there has been a significant change in its spike protein, which makes it more infectious than before. While BA.2.86 did not spread much, JN.1 is spreading rapidly worldwide and its clusters have been revealed in many countries.
What are the symptoms
Dry cough, nasal flowing or closure, headache, sore throat, fever, fatigue or weakness, taste or odor, diarrhea was seen more in this variant.
What are the situation abroad?
There is a jump in Hong Kong and Singapore. Singapore has a 28% Kovid case in a week (11,100 to 14,200). Hospitalized cases have also seen an increase of 30%. Hong Kong had 1,000+ cases and 31 deaths in the first week of May, which is the highest in a year.
What are its symptoms?
JN.1 Variants have many symptoms, more symptoms of which are similar to the symptoms seen in the previous Omikron Strain. Common symptoms include dry cough, flowing or closed nose, headache, sore throat and fever. Many infected with this also complain of feeling tired. In some cases, taste or smelling power also goes away. A symptom that is seen more often with JN.1 variant is diarrhea, which is called diarrhea. Overall, while the symptoms are mostly mild to moderate, it is necessary to be cautious.
What to do to escape?
It is very important to take some precautions to protect yourself from Corona. If you are going to crowded places, then definitely wear a mask. While coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or elbow so that the virus does not reach others. Wash the hands thoroughly with soap and water or use a sanitizer. If you feel symptoms like fever, cough or sore throat, stay at home and contact the doctor immediately if needed. By adopting these easy measures, you can protect yourself and others.
