As Americans approach the holidays, researchers are focusing on the COVID-19 variant that is expanding the fastest and discovering more about this strain.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released estimates on Friday that show the JN.1 variant now represents more than one-fifth of all cases. Between 15% and 29% of COVID infections during the most recent Nowcast reporting period were associated with this mutation, according to the CDC. Previously, the variant was thought to be responsible for 8% of cases.
According to the CDC, this increase raises the possibility that JN.1 is more contagious and adept at evading people’s immune systems. Hospitalizations and deaths, which are markers of the spread of COVID-19, continue to be high, with an increase in cases in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. This fits a pattern where respiratory infections rise during the winter when people spend more time indoors celebrating the holidays with friends and family.
“The story here is that JN.1 might be a little more contagious,” Dr. Rebecca Wurtz, a professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, told USA TODAY. “It probably jumped like it did because Thanksgiving happened, and winter is starting to happen.”
JN.1 does not appear to cause a more severe illness than other circulating variants. Anticipated efficaciousness of the most recent COVID-19 vaccine and treatments against JN.1.
Like all viruses, COVID-19 is always changing and will eventually produce new strains in order to continue existing. September marked the discovery of JN.1 in the United States. It was formerly known as BA.2.86, or Pirola, a member of the omicron family, which some researchers were concerned might be dangerous at first. However, according to CDC estimates, the number of cases has recently decreased. Hospital systems were overrun by the original Omicron variant in 2022, on the other hand.
It doesn’t seem like JN.1 poses a higher risk at this time. Additionally, it seems that prior infection and vaccination help lower the risk of developing a serious illness from JN.1.
Professor of infectious diseases at Nashville, Tennessee’s Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Dr. William Schaffner, compared JN.1 and other subvariants to offspring and grandkids of omicron.
It’s probably going to stay dominant, according to Schaffner. “We believe that later on, additional grandchildren, or variations, will succeed it.”
Schaffner suggests becoming immunized as soon as you can. In an ideal world, vaccinations would occur prior to shopping, religious services, family vacations, and visits to elderly relatives who are more susceptible to contracting COVID-19. He suggests masking in crowded indoor areas as an additional layer of protection for the elderly, those with ongoing medical conditions, and pregnant women.
Experts stressed that there is no need to panic due to the rise of this variant.
According to Dr. John Moore, a professor of microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, “we’ve seen some game-changing events during the pandemic.” “Not one of them has been this.”
What you need to know about JN.1
How variants proliferate: The COVID-19 virus is dynamic, meaning it changes over time. New variants can occasionally spread more quickly or successfully as a result of these modifications. If that happens, the new variant might spread more widely than the other variants that are currently in use.
How common: According to CDC projections, as of December 8, 2023, 15–29% of Americans are expected to carry the variant JN.1. You can read more about these projections in the section below, which also explains why JN.1 is now showing up separately on the Nowcast for the first time.
According to CDC projections, the percentage of JN.1 in SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences will keep rising. In the US, it is currently the variety that is expanding the fastest.
Impact: JN.1’s continuous expansion implies that it is either more contagious or more adept at eluding our immune systems. Currently, there is no proof that JN.1 poses a greater risk to public health than the other variants that are currently in circulation. As of right now, there is no sign of increased severity from JN.1. JN.1 protection should rise with updated COVID-19 vaccinations, just as it does with other variants. COVID-19 tests and treatments are anticipated to be efficacious against JN.1, as previously mentioned in updates. The question of whether JN.1 could cause an incremental increase in infections is raised by its rapid growth when compared to other variants. The United States is currently experiencing an increase in COVID-19 activity.
Symptoms: Whether a JN.1 infection causes symptoms that are distinct from those of other variants is not yet known. The majority of COVID-19 variants share similar symptoms. Usually, a person’s immunity and general health are more important in determining the kinds and severity of symptoms than the specific variant that causes the infection.
Next up: There will probably be more COVID-19 cases during the coming month. You can maintain your protection against JN.1 and other variants by getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine. If you haven’t received a vaccination this fall, now is a great time to do so. Whatever the variants may be, the CDC will keep an eye on them and collaborate closely with global partners to comprehend their spread and response to medications and vaccines.
