JN.1: The New COVID-19 Variant

JN.1 is a COVID-19 variant that has emerged as "another Omicron variant" and is believed to have descended from the BA.2.86 variant. JN.1 has been reported in several countries, including the U.S., Iceland, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, and its frequency is increasing in France. Currently, there is no available data suggesting that JN.1 causes different symptoms compared to previous COVID-19 variations.

The symptoms of COVID-19, as identified by the CDC, may include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

To prevent the spread of JN.1 and other COVID-19 variants, the following precautions are important:

• Wearing masks, particularly in indoor settings or areas with high transmission rates, can help reduce the risk of getting infected and prevent the spread of the virus.

• Ensure high-risk individuals receive vaccine protection: It is crucial to prioritize high-risk individuals, such as the elderly or those with underlying health conditions, for vaccination. Vaccines have been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.

• Promptly provide antiviral medications: If high-risk individuals do become infected with JN.1 or other COVID-19 variants, it is important to promptly provide them with appropriate antiviral medications as recommended by healthcare professionals.

JN.1 and other COVID-19 variants are currently present and will continue to circulate, so it is essential to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to minimize the risk of illness.