A new variant of COVID-19, known as JN.1, has become the most widely circulating strain of the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This fast-spreading mutation, a subvariant of Omicron, was first identified by the World Health Organization in late August. Initially, it seemed to be spreading slowly, but as temperatures dropped, JN.1 cases surged.
CDC data from mid-October showed that JN.1 accounted for only 0.1 percent of all COVID-19 cases in the United States. However, as of January 20, the CDC estimates that approximately 86 percent of new cases are now attributed to this variant. Eyal Oren, a director and professor of epidemiology at the School of Public Health at San Diego State University, stated that if someone is currently contracting COVID-19, it is highly likely that they are infected with the JN.1 mutation.
One of the reasons behind the rapid spread of JN.1 is the virus’s ability to evolve quickly, outpacing our immune systems’ ability to keep up. Additionally, low vaccination rates among Americans contribute to the surge. As of earlier this month, only 11 percent of children and 21 percent of adults had received the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Among adults aged 65 and older, who are at the highest risk, only 40 percent have received the updated vaccine in the past year.
The CDC emphasizes that COVID-19 vaccines can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalizations. However, vaccination rates for COVID-19, as well as for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), remain worryingly low. In response to this concern, the CDC issued an alert to healthcare workers last month, warning that the combination of rising flu, RSV, and COVID-19 cases could lead to more severe disease and strain healthcare capacity in the coming weeks.
There is a misconception among some individuals that the current COVID-19 booster may not protect against JN.1 or other new strains. However, the most recent vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax are expected to lower the chances of severe illness or hospitalization from JN.1.
Regarding the symptoms of JN.1, CDC data indicates that it is no more severe than previous variants, and the symptoms remain consistent with those of COVID-19 in recent years. These symptoms include fever, chills, coughing, muscle aches, shortness of breath, sore throat, congestion, headaches, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell. Oren points out that many of these symptoms can be confused with those caused by other viruses common during the winter months, such as the flu, RSV, or the common cold. Therefore, it is crucial to get vaccinated and tested for COVID-19, especially for individuals at higher risk of severe outcomes.
To stay safe, Oren advises everyone, particularly those in high-risk categories, to take precautions such as wearing masks, avoiding crowded places, and practicing good hand hygiene. The CDC has reported a significant increase in hospitalizations among all age groups for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV over the past four weeks.
In an effort to make testing more accessible, the federal government offers free rapid COVID-19 tests through the mail. Individuals can order four free tests at COVIDTests.gov, which will be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.
As the JN.1 variant continues to circulate widely, it is crucial for individuals to stay informed, follow recommended guidelines, and prioritize vaccination and testing. By taking these steps, we can collectively work towards reducing the impact of this new strain and protecting ourselves and our communities from severe illness and healthcare capacity strain.