The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently announced that the current dominant strain of COVID-19, known as JN.1, is no more severe than previous forms of the virus. This revelation comes as a relief to many who have been concerned about the potential impact of new variants.
According to a report published by the CDC on Monday, there is no evidence to suggest that JN.1 causes more severe disease than other variants. The report states, “CDC continues to learn more about JN.1, but currently there is no evidence that it causes more severe disease.” This finding is significant because JN.1 is currently the most common strain in the country.
The report also highlights that the current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to provide protection against JN.1, just as they do against other variants. Vaccines have been instrumental in preventing severe illness and hospitalization, and this remains true for the JN.1 variant.
JN.1 is a fast-growing variant of SARS-CoV-2 and is expected to continue increasing in prevalence among COVID cases. It is similar to the BA.2.86 variant, which is an omicron subvariant that emerged in August. As of January 22, JN.1 is responsible for an estimated 85.7% of cases in the U.S.
Despite its rapid spread, the CDC has reassured the public that there is no evidence to suggest that JN.1 poses an increased risk to public health compared to other circulating variants. It does not appear to cause more severe illness.
During a webinar, CDC official Dr. Eduardo Azziz-Baumgartner affirmed the findings of the report. He stated, “There are early signals that that may not be the case,” when asked if the variant was more severe than past strains. However, he emphasized that individuals may experience the virus differently, and it is important to remember that the impact of the virus can vary from person to person.
It is crucial to note that the vaccines, tests, and treatments currently available are expected to be effective against the JN.1 variant. This provides further reassurance that the existing tools in our arsenal are capable of combating this strain.
In conclusion, the CDC’s latest report brings good news regarding the severity of the current dominant strain of COVID-19. JN.1 is no more severe than previous forms of the virus, and the existing vaccines are expected to provide protection against it. While the impact of the virus can differ from person to person, this information offers hope that we can continue to navigate the pandemic with confidence in our ability to control its spread and protect ourselves and our communities.
