Is the JN.1 variant more severe compared to earlier strains?

Shilpa Shirodkar has tested positive for Covid-19, which has once again been on the rise in South Asian countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and India. The actor apprised everyone of the news on Instagram, where she wrote, “Hello People! I’ve been tested positive for COVID. Stay safe and wear your masks!”According to multiple reports, the resurgence is driven newly evolved Omicron sub-variants, particularly JN.1, with India reporting 257 cases on the Minry of Health and Family Welfare’s Covid-19 dashboard.
Considering the rise in cases of the JN.1 variant, we consulted experts to understand the cause and precautions to stay safe in 2025.
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What is it? 
This variant is dinguished its heightened transmissibility and potential to evade immune responses, even in the vaccinated population, said Dr Harish Chafle, senior consultant, intensiv chest physician, bronchoscop and sleep disorders special, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai.
JN.1 is a sublineage of the Omicron variant and is currently under close observation the World Health Organization (WHO), said Dr Ravi Shekhar Jha, pulmonolog, director pulmonology, MD, MRCP, Fortis Hospital, Faridabad.
Spread
It has been linked to recent infection surges in Singapore and Hong Kong. “In India, while no new wave has been confirmed, health authorities are monitoring the situation as cases reappear,” said Dr Jha.
While it doesn’t appear to cause more severe illness compared to earlier strains, its rapid spread is concerning, especially among vulnerable populations (those with comorbidities, advanced age, and weakened immunity), pointed out Dr Chafle.Story continues below this ad
Take these precautions to stay safe (Photo: Freepik)
Symptoms
Symptoms can include fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough, loss of smell and taste, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea, which are consent with those reported for other Omicron subvariants, said Dr Jha.
“The severity of illness often depends more on an individual’s immunity and overall health than the specific variant. Omicron is the mildest variant that has attacked various countries, so panic is unnecessary. Taking usual precautions will be helpful for sure,” Dr Jha emphasised.
Precautions
To prevent COVID-19, timely vaccination, including booster doses, wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated areas, maintaining personal and hand hygiene, and avoiding being around sick people are necessary.
 

Remember the three golden rules- masking, social dancing, and hand sanitising.
“Moreover, being vigilant while travelling in India or abroad is necessary. Wearing a mask is the need of the hour to protect from Covid-19. Get immediate diagnosis and take treatment if you have symptoms such as fever, sore throat, runny nose, and cough. Don’t delay treatment and follow the advice given the expert; eat home-cooked healthy food to boost immunity,” said Dr Chafle.Story continues below this ad
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.