Introduction – JN.1 is the new variant of coronavirus that evolved from the previous variant BA.2.86, a descendant of omicron and a variant of COVID-19 that was first reported in the month of August.  It is the new variant of Covid that has been detected in Karakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, in the state of Kerala in India on December 8, 2023. This type of COVID-19 variant is a descendant of Pirola and has now been identified in China, India, and the United States.

However, As per CDC (Centers for Disease Control, and Prevention), the JN.1 variant differs from BA. 2.86 also known as Pirola by only a single mutation in its spike protein. This new variant of Covid-19 also differs from the previous old strain Omicron in the case of mild symptoms and high transmissibility. Now, there are 21 cases of JN.1 variant, a Covid-19 sub-variant confirmed in India including 19 cases in Goa, Maharashtra, and Kerala has one each case.

The severity of a Covid-19 new variant may depend on several factors such as vaccine effectiveness, healthcare system capacity, symptoms, and transmissibility. The case of the JN.1 variant has been recorded in 41 countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), large cases of the JN.1 variant are found in several countries such as the United States, Britain, Sweden, Canada, and Singapore.

Symptoms of JN.1 variant – As per experts, there are several common symptoms of a new variant of Covid-19, JN.1 are given below –

• Sore throat
• Persistent cough
• Nausea
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fever
• Runny nose
• Loose motions

In some cases, breathing and gastrointestinal problems can be also experienced by several patients. Presently, there is no evidence to suggest that a new variant of COVID-19, JN.1 is more severe or high fatality rates as compared with other previous variants of COVID-19.

Prevention – It is important to take several precautions to prevent the spread of infection are given below –

• Daily wearing masks
• Regular handwashing
• Maintaining social distancing
• Avoid crowdy places

Old or sick individuals should take extra precautions against a new variant of COVID-19 as that can be at high risk.