Covid-19 JN.1 variant: These are new symptoms of the viral infection – India Today

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 3, 2024 15:05 IST

UK health authorities have identified new symptoms associated with the latest Covid-19 sub-variant, JN.1, which include anxiety and trouble sleeping.

Previously, symptoms linked to JN.1 were mostly limited to upper respiratory tract infections, such as fever, cough, sore throat, body ache and runny nose.

However, recent data from December 2023 by the UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed two new symptoms: trouble sleeping and anxiety.

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Over 10% of individuals with Covid-19 in the UK consistently reported anxiety or excess worrying since early November, as indicated by the ONS winter Covid report.

The most common Covid-19 symptoms, based on the data, include runny nose (31.1%), cough (22.9%), headache (20.1%), fatigue (19.6%), muscle pain (15.8%), sore throat (13.2%), trouble sleeping (10.8%), and anxiety (10.5%).

Notably, the once-common symptoms loss of taste and smell are currently reported in only 2 to 3% of UK cases.

These findings coincide with a global increase in Covid-19 infections, with the WHO reporting a 52% rise in new cases over the past month.

In India, there were 573 fresh cases and two deaths in the last 24 hours, with a total of 197 cases of JN.1 reported in 11 states.

The majority of JN.1 cases exhibit mild symptoms, and severity is seen in less than 10% of cases, particularly in individuals with pre-existing health conditions. The overall fatality rate is less than 2%, and deaths are infrequent, with most patients recovering at home.

JN.1, a descendant of the Omicron lineage, was first detected in September in the US and has spread to over 40 countries. It has been classification as a variant of interest (VOI) by the WHO.

The variant, derived from BA.2.86 (also known as Pirola), carries an additional L455S mutation in the spike protein, increasing its transmissibility.

Health experts have urged people about wearing masks, frequently washing hands and avoiding public gatherings to avoid infection.

(With inputs from news agencies)

Published By:

Daphne Clarance

Published On:

Jan 3, 2024

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Covid-19 JN.1 variant: These are new symptoms of the viral infection - India Today