JN1: Omicron, a new virus in the market, is reportedly growing in the last few days. It is termed as JN.1. Now, this virus and its descendants are leading to growing cases of COVID-19.
It is happening in all the Asian countries. India is not untouchable from this COVID-19 wave. It is now reporting growing cases every day now and then. This new variant started in August 2023. It emerged from the Omicron lineage and resulted in more L455S mutation in more virus cases when compared to BA.2.86. The current wave of COVID-19 has resulted in several active cases. Although it is not on a serious level now, the wave has started.
History of COVID-19- Pandemic That No One Can Forget
The outbreak of the real pandemic, COVID-19, happened in December 2019 in Wuhan and China and later stretched everywhere. This virus leads to the SARS- CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2).
First Lockdown
No one would have forgotten 25th March 2020 when the first lockdown was called. People though treated it like a holiday earlier, but later, with the dangerous circumstances, they were alert and in a state of shock. So many precautionary methods started, and finally, vaccination was invented to surpass the risk. Finally, people were relieved and thought the threat was over, but was it? The ongoing waves and the present JN.1 COVID-19 variant have raised several questions for now. For now, first, let us understand what exactly this new COVID wave is going to bring.
JN.1 COVID-19 Variant Symptoms Are Same as Covid-19 Variants or Different
Indeed, the symptoms are somewhat a replica of Omicron and will attract similar sore throat, hard breathing, fatigue, headache, cough, congested nose, mild fever and uneasiness. Delta variant among all was the severe one that attracted difficult consequences and led to several deaths. The present COVID-19 wave is twin to Omicron with mild symptoms only.
Note to Remember: People may experience loss of smell or taste like earlier in this new variant. Consult your doctor if you feel uneasy. Remember, precautions are always better than practices.
Healthy Tips To Follow During COVID-19 Variant JN.1
As the number of COVID cases has started rising again, there are certain precautions that might help you stay away from it and remain healthy. Let us check them one by one:
1. Mask is the New Normal
It was already said people need to live with COVID now, and they can't afford to stay at home all the time. While facing a crowd, wearing masks will help them avoid the COVID variant, which is an air-borne disease. If you feel any symptoms, wear the mask indoors, too.
2. Personal Hygiene
Washing hands after some intervals and maintaining the basic hygienic norms is what is needed here. Cleanliness can help you to stay away from this virus. Sanitize your hands and surroundings on a regular basis.
3. Stay Emotionally Close But Physically Distant
Corona already taught us that physical distance is compulsory to be maintained to beat this virus. You cannot be sure whether the person standing next to you in the metro is suffering from this virus or not, so try to maintain as much distance as possible.
4. Maintain A Social Distance If You Are Feeling Unwell
To be a good citizen, it is important for you to be responsible. In case, you are feeling unwell due to any of these symptoms, you may prefer staying at home instead of going out to save others.
5. Better Indoor Ventilation
Vitamin D has always been advised to everyone, and you need to have better indoor ventilation to stay internally healthy.
6. Look For Symptoms, if Any, Get Tested If Needed
If you happen to feel COVID symptoms, visit a doctor, take rest, and go for the testing immediately. If you find yourself corona positive, isolate yourself immediately and follow the instructions of your health specialist.
9. Do not Miss the Official Advice and Update
If there is any official update on this virus, follow it strictly. Do not overlook any advice to ensure you and your loved ones are safe.
Immunity Boosters - Be Ready
Remember, the importance of the right food was discussed during the first COVID phase. The focus was entirely on the right food and Ayurvedic Immunity Boosters. Now, when the next variant is already there and hitting so many people, you need to add some food to your daily diet.
1. Food Rich In Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a good component to intake during Corona times. Children between four to eight years should not consume beyond 25 mg and those between nine to thirteen years should take at least 45 mg. For male children aged fourteen to eighteen, they should take 75 mg, whereas girls should take 65 mg. People above this age should consume it at a different rate, like for a male it should be at least 90 mg and for a female it should be 75 mg. It is also advisable to consult your doctor to understand the quantity that will suit you the most.
Some fruits that have vitamin C are oranges, lemons, strawberries, blackcurrants, and other citrus fruits. It can also be obtained from Brussels sprouts, broccoli, bell peppers, etc.
Parsley, Lemongrass Chai, Hibiscus Tea, moringa powder and more might help to meet your daily requirement of Vitamin C.
Fruits with high doses of vitamin C. Any Herbal powder like Moringa please mention that also.
2. Kadha for Imminity
Ayurveda has always been bestowed with several beneficial herbs and spices. You can start with Ayurvedic Kadha. It has authentic taste, aroma, medicinal properties, and an immunity-boosting feature. Flavoured with medicinal aroma, it has cinnamon, clove, black pepper, giloy, holy basil, licorice, Indian gooseberries, fennel seeds, ginger, green cardamom and more; this kadha is crafted with love. Let your inner self be strong with it.
3. Haldi - The Spice of Life
Turmeric is full of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It is the first thing that one recommends to intake whenever one is sick with the common flu, cold, cough or any internal or external injuries. One can take Haldi Latte for immunity to enjoy all the benefits of haldi with an unforgettable taste. The herbs and spices in it come from the heart of Uttarakhand and have the best of the five spices in it. Besides turmeric, it has all the good qualities of cardamom, licorice, ginger, black pepper, and cinnamon.
Role of Vaccines in the Growing Cases of JN.1
As there is a very minor difference when we discuss BA.2.86 and JN.1, the same target may work well. The difference here is the surge of protein on the surface of the virus. This directly helps to infect more people, and as the spike protein holds a place in the ongoing vaccine, there is no problem with going with the same.
Want to Sustain With COVID-19 Symptoms- Do This
It was already said that COVID-19 is going to be the new normal with surprising variants in the upcoming time. The best way to deal with this is by staying at home when there are any symptoms. Taking more rest and drinking more water is what every health specialist suggests. Sit straight if the cough is strong instead of lying down.
Consult the doctor for any symptoms and don’t consume any over the counter medicine without consulting the doctor.
By being careful and eating healthy, we have already beaten Corona earlier, and we just need to repeat the same method. The virus will soon vanish with the right precautions. The pandemic was something no one expected, but everyone managed to escape. Overall wellness is in your hands; just be careful!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does India need to be worried about the new COVID-19 variant, JN.1?
Though the number of COVID cases is multiplying every day in India, as per health specialists, it is said that the situation is within control. The consequences of the growing cases are pretty mild as of now. The number of hospitalized patients is incredibly low, but one needs to have an eye on them.
2. Is the JN.1 COVID-19 variant dangerous?
If we go as per the recent investigation, this variant will not be harsh on the patients. If you think your health is deteriorating at any moment, consult a health specialist.
If you go as per the warnings of WHO about JN.1, it has the following features:
Easy to transmit, Can easily reduce the immunity escape roadway, Low possibility of having serious disease compared to other variants
3. Can one check JN.1 through the normal COVID-19 test?
The RT-CPR test can easily detect this variant, just like all other previous COVID variants. Rapid Antigen Test is also helpful here which gives the result in around 15-20 minutes.
4. How can one be sure that one has been infected by JN.1?
RT-CPR test, the only test for COVID-19, can only detect the presence of COVID-19, but till now, it is unable to display which variant it is. You need to opt for a JN.1 special lab test, which might tell you if it is the same variant. Till now, this test has been used for the research process and not for diagnosis.
5. Who is more likely to be infected with JN1 COVID variant?
People whose immune systems are not strong, people suffering from chronic diseases like cancer, lung problems, heart disease, diabetes, children, senior citizens, pregnant females and those who haven't taken vaccinations are more likely to get attacked by this virus.
