JN.1 Variant and Holiday Respiratory Virus Update: New York Health Authority Gives Health Recommendations

Just as crowds of people will gather in the coming days to be with friends and family during the holidays, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that the trend will be “more hospitalizations and visits to emergency rooms.” There are a trio of respiratory viruses that are circulating: The new variant of COVID, called JN.1, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Although there is a forecast of a new strain of COVID-19, identified as “very contagious”, in reality, There are no epidemiological alarms in the Big Apple.

For all these respiratory infections there are vaccines available, which is why in the case of New York City, the Health authorities insist on their message to families on these dates. to obtain immunizations, before the typical hugs and mass gatherings of Christmas and New Year.

“Everyone 6 months and older should receive a COVID-19 vaccine updated and their annual flu vaccine, even if they have already been vaccinated or have had COVID-19 or the flu before,” highlighted the New York City Department of Health (DOHMH) in a statement.

For people over 60 years of age, they should talk to their provider about RSV immunization. People who are pregnant should talk to their provider about RSV and Other options to protect your baby after birth.

“The holidays are here and fortunately we can get together and celebrate. I am hopeful that no one will miss visiting friends and loved ones because they are sick. For the first time in history, We have three safe and effective vaccines available to protect against these three diseases: flu, COVID and RSV“, He said Dr. James McDonald, state health commissioner.

El advances JN.1

The CDC confirms that the JN.1 variant comprises approximately 15% and 29% of new infections throughout the country, until the first week of December.

The federal agency’s calculation is that this variant will continue to increase as a proportion of the SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences. It is already known in the scientific community as a subvariant from Omicron.

“It is currently the fastest growing variant in the United States. JN.1 is closely related to the BA.2.86 variant we have been tracking since August”, the CDC officially ponders.

In the midst of this panorama, it is confirmed that the New York Health authorities have not changed their protocols, nor do they fear that JN.1 means an exponential risk in the coming weeks, which could ruin the Holidays.

“The JN.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2 may be more transmissible than other circulating variants, but there is no evidence that it is causing more serious illness. “The updated COVID-19 vaccine and current treatments are expected to be effective against this variant,” he highlighted. El Diario, Pedro Frisneda, spokesperson for the DOHMH.

For its part, the state Health authority reiterated that the Updated 2023-24 COVID-19 Vaccine Formulated to Target Omicron Subvariant and covers most current viral strains, including JN1, which is advancing in New York and across the country.

If you wear masks…better

Although masks are not mandatory, in any public or private space in the city, It is suggested to use them if you are concerned and want to take extra precautions.

Face coverings remain an effective tool to reduce the risk of spreading or being exposed to COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.

“Consider wearing a mask in closed public places with lots of people, such as on public transportation, at large events and when shopping in crowded stores” the authorities continue to suggest.

Flu cases rise, RSV falls

Although this cold season historically coincides with flu outbreaks (influenza), to date the CDC describes several indicators of a “continuous increase” in these viral conditions, but it is observed that the version that has spread the most in this year’s auction , is causing fewer hospitalizations and deaths among the elderly, the group that tends to take the greatest toll.

Although it must be clarified that national flu vaccination rates, are higher than those of the other two main respiratory viruses: COVID-19 and RSV.

About 14% of adults and 5% of children have received the currently recommended COVID-19 vaccine, and About 13.5% of adults age 60 and older have received one of the RSV vaccines that became available earlier this year.

In the specific case of the five boroughs of New York City, the Department of Health believes that until the week ending December 9, 2023, 5,214 samples were positive for influenza, a 51% increase from the previous week.

90% were positive for influenza A and 9% were positive for influenza B.

Additionally, 4,371 samples were positive for RSV, a 9% decrease from the previous week.

Visits for respiratory illnesses represented the 8% of all visits to the hospital system from the Big Apple.

“No pediatric deaths associated with influenza have been reported and 11 influenza outbreaks were reported in senior care facilities”specify the official reports.

Where to get the vaccines?

• Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Recommended for the 2023-2024 season for all people 6 months and older. They are designed to protect against newer variants of COVID-19 and increase people’s protection against the virus.

• To find a vaccine, visit New York City’s ‘vaccine finder’ website: NYC Vaccine Finder

• Flu Shot Information Throughout NY. Visit Vaccines.gov

COVID-19 in NYC:

• 868 new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the Big Apple in the last seven days in contrast to 3,553 new infectionsin this same holiday season, last year.

• 38 hospitalizations due to serious illnesses in the last seven days.

• 2 associated deaths with complications with this virus, according to official records in this period of time.

2023-12-20 10:22:00
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