- JN.1, a descendant of the BA.2.86 variant (an Omicron sub-variant), is recognised by WHO as a separate variant of interest (VOI) from its parent lineage BA.2.86 because of its rapidly increasing spread.
- Considering the limited data available, the additional public health risk caused by JN.1 is currently assessed as low globally. However, the northern hemisphere’s winter could increase the risk of respiratory infections. Nations that are approaching winter should ensure that SARS-CoV-2 and co-circulating pathogens may aggravate respiratory diseases.
1.JN.1: What is it?
Covid-19 variant JN.1 comes from BA.2.86 and is a sub-variant of the Omicron strain of coronavirus. The spike protein of JN.1 contains an extra mutation from BA.2.86, which allows SARS-CoV-2 to attach to the cells and make a person sick.
2.What are the symptoms of the JN.1 variant?
The JN.1 symptoms may include:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Fever or chills
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
If you experience severe Covid-19 symptoms, undergo a Covid RT-PCR test.
3.What precautionary measures are required for the JN.1 variant?
As per WHO, the following precautions can be taken to prevent JN.1 Covid-19 variant infection:
- Stay at home when not well
- In case of symptoms, get tested
- Cover up sneezes and coughs
- Frequently clean (wash or sanitise) your hands.
- Wear a mask in crowded spaces and enclosed places.
- Get Covid-19 and flu vaccinations, especially if vulnerable.
- Stay away from public gatherings or crowded places to avoid infection.
- If symptoms get worse, seek immediate medical help.
4.Are the current Covid-19 vaccines effective in preventing JN.1 variant?
The effectiveness of the most recent COVID-19 vaccinations against the JN.1 variant has been confirmed by the CDC and WHO. Some concerns have been raised due to the data received from Singapore. It indicates that people who received their vaccinations more than a year ago might be at higher risk of needing to be admitted to the hospital.
Nonetheless, the extensive immunisation program in India and non-symptomatic infections are thought to provide a strong defence against the most recent COVID variant.
5.What are the immune-boosting foods to help fight coronavirus?
Consuming nutritious food goes a long way to help fight coronavirus. The food should contain the following nutrients:
- Vitamin C – Strawberries, broccoli, red bell peppers, eggplant, cauliflower, tomatoes, kale, spinach, guava, kiwifruit, oranges, blackberries, pineapple, papaya, thyme, turmeric, cardamom and coriander.
- Vitamin D – Eggs, mushrooms, sardines, canned light tuna, forged breakfast cereals.
- Vitamin A – Sweet potatoes, fish oil, fish liver, lima beans, corn, green soybeans, chicken liver and carrots.
- Zinc – Chickpeas, red meat, kidney beans, lentils, nuts and seeds, oysters, milk, dark chocolate, yoghurt and cheese.
- Protein and lectin –
- Lectin – Peanuts, lentils, tomatoes, eggplant, wheat, fruits,
- Protein – Beans, eggs, fish, and lean meat (like chicken)
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Nuts, Beans, Flaxseed, Mackerel, Tuna, Salmon.
- Vitamin E: Carrots, sunflower seeds, broccoli, bell peppers, hazelnuts, peanut butter, shrimp, spinach, mango, asparagus, and kiwifruit.
6.Which foods should you avoid with Covid-19?
In the case of Covid-19 infection, avoiding foods that increase inflammation in the body is crucial. These include:
- High sugar foods
- Excess salt
- Alcohol
References:
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/18122023_jn.1_ire_clean.pdf?sfvrsn=6103754a_3
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-67772390
https://www.unmc.edu/healthsecurity/transmission/2023/11/08/what-is-jn-1-the-latest-covid-variant/
https://www.apollopharmacy.in/blog/article/jn1-covid-symptoms-prevention-vaccine
https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/best-foods-to-eat-with-covid-19