The new variant JN-1 of COVID-19 is the newest variant that’s spreading rapidly globally!
As per WHO’s COVID-19 epidemiological update released in January, in the 28 days from 11th December 2023 to 7th January 2024 India reported over 15,000 fresh COVID cases.
Talking in percentages, India saw a steep spike of 842% in new COVID cases within this time frame! Concurrently, the percentage of deaths due to COVID also spiked to 642%, with the highest being 86 fatalities on the same day! The report highlighted that five out of eleven countries in the Southeast Asia region, including India have seen this spike in COVID cases.
The WHO report brought attention to the widespread occurrence of the JN.1 variant, which has been identified in 71 countries. This underscores the critical need for continuous monitoring of variants. Currently, the WHO is actively monitoring several variants, comprising five Variants of Interest (VOIs) and five Variants Under Monitoring (VUMs).
The increased prevalence in this region indicates a broader challenge in effectively controlling and reducing the transmission of the virus.
What can you do?
It’s important to maintain proper hygiene to stop COVID-19 from spreading. Here are some tips:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public or coughing.
- Wash before eating or making food
- Before touching your face
- After using the bathroom
- After leaving a public place
- After coughing or sneezing
- After handling your mask
- After changing a diaper
- After helping a sick person
- After touching animals or pets
- If you can’t wash your hands, use hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol. Rub it on your hands until they’re dry.
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with dirty hands.
Precautions to take
The chances of catching COVID-19 are higher in places that are crowded and don’t have enough fresh air.
These places include restaurants, choir practices, fitness classes, nightclubs, offices, and places of worship. Here are few precautions that are recommended by the government of India:
- Avoid the 3Cs: Stay away from places that are closed, crowded, or where you have close contact with others.
- Hang out with people outside. It’s safer than being indoors, especially if the indoor space is small and doesn’t have fresh outdoor air.
- If you can’t avoid crowded or indoor places, do these things:
– Open a window to let more fresh air in when you’re indoors.
– Wear a mask.
Symptoms that you should watch out for
Coronavirus symptoms are a lot like those of the flu. Watch for:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Trouble breathing
- Feeling tired
- Body aches
- Headache
- Trouble tasting or smelling
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Feeling sick to your stomach
- Diarrhoea
Since COVID-19 is happening at the same time as the flu season, it’s important to know the differences in symptoms and get a flu shot.
Conclusion
To stop COVID-19 from spreading, it is essential to maintain proper hygiene, including washing hands frequently, using hand sanitiser, and avoiding crowded places. Since COVID-19 symptoms are similar to those of the flu, it is important to understand the differences in symptoms and get a flu shot.