JN.1 is the latest COVID-19 Variant, and its Spreading Like Crazy – by Jan Wondra – The Ark Valley Voice

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced this week that nearly 86 percent of new COVID-19 cases are the result of this latest mutation, known as JN.1. This makes it the most widely-circulating version of the virus not just in the U.S., but circulating in the world.

The virus continues to evolve so rapidly that our immune systems have not been able to keep up, says one expert.

It is basically the newest mutant variation of Omicron. The World Health Organization first reported it in August 2023, but it wasnt multiplying very fast. The weather changed, the Northern Hemisphere is in winter cold, people are inside, and the number of cases is growing rapidly.

In mid-October, the CDC reported that the JN.1 mutation was only about 0.1 percent of all COVID-19 cases around the country. But by their latest update on Jan. 20, the CDC estimates thats now up to approximately 86 percent.

The variants symptoms look like a lot of other respiratory viruses now circulating, but it is evolving so rapidly that our immune systems cant keep up.

Most likely, if youre getting COVID right now, youre getting this particular variant mutation, said San Diego State University School of Public Health Director and Professor of Epidemiology Eyal Oren, speaking with National Public Radio this week.

Image courtesy of NBC News.

COVD-19 vaccination rates havent kept up, making the viral spread of this variant even worse. The rates are concerning:

Demographic COVID-19 vaccination rate

Children 11 percent

Adults 21 percent

Adults 65+ 40 percent

It should be noted that adults 65+ are the highest risk group for the virus.

Not only are the rates for COVD-19 vaccinations low, but so are vaccination rates for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This has caused the CDC to issue an alert to healthcare workers about the combination of rising flu, RSV and COVID cases. This could lead to more severe disease and increased healthcare capacity strain in the coming weeks, predicted the agency.

Originally posted here:

JN.1 is the latest COVID-19 Variant, and its Spreading Like Crazy - by Jan Wondra - The Ark Valley Voice