COVID JN.1 Variant: Beyond cough and fever, 2 new symptoms to watch out for

COVID JN.1 Variant: In the last 24 hours, India reported 602 new COVID-19 cases and five deaths, raising concerns due to the emerging JN.1 variant. This variant shares common symptoms with previous strains, including runny nose, fever, sore throat, headache, and loss of smell and taste. However, the UK’s Office for National Statistics has uncovered two additional symptoms: trouble sleeping and anxiety.

Dr. Sapna Yadav, Senior Consultant in Pulmonology at Sarvodaya Hospital, Greater Noida, told Times Now, "The JN.1 strain is an offshoot of the OMICRON variant, known for its higher transmissibility. Fortunately, it tends to cause milder illness. The key to combating it lies in preventive measures: practising hand hygiene, using masks, and ensuring appropriate vaccination."

Despite its increased transmissibility, there is currently no evidence suggesting higher severity or fatality rates compared to other variants.


COVID JN.1 Variant: Preventive measures

• To minimise the risk of contracting COVID-19, vaccination remains crucial for building immunity and preventing severe illness.
• Maintaining regular hand hygiene, wearing masks in crowded spaces, practising social distancing, and ensuring adequate ventilation indoors are effective preventive measures.
• Staying informed and following public health guidelines equips individuals with the latest information to make informed decisions.