Due to the new JN.1 variant of Corona, the risk of infection is seen increasing globally. According to media reports, cases of infection are continuously increasing in many countries including China, Singapore, and America. At present, the JN.1 variant is considered to be the main reason for more than half of the corona cases in America. Here the spread of infection has increased significantly within a month.
This new variant is being seen increasing infectivity in India. Infection with this new variant has been confirmed in many states including Goa, Kerala, and Karnataka. An average of 500 daily cases have also been recorded in the country for the last week. Health experts say the pace of Corona is still under control, however, there may be a risk of infection increasing due to crowds gathering during New Year parties and celebrations, about which everyone needs to be alert.
This new variant can be highly infectious and is easily successful in dodging the body's immunity, in such a situation no one can be considered safe from it.
162 cases of JN.1 variant so far
According to the information shared by the Union Health Ministry, 743 new cases of corona have been registered in the last 24 hours. According to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG), so far 162 cases of JN.1 variant of COVID-19 have been reported in India, with the highest number of cases in Kerala and Gujarat. According to INSACOG data updated on Friday, Kerala has reported the highest number of cases at 83, followed by Gujarat at 34.
Highest number of cases in these states
Many states are reporting a rise in the number of Covid cases in the last few weeks. Nine states and union territories have confirmed JN.1 cases so far. Cases of this new variant in Kerala (83), Gujarat (34), Goa (18), Karnataka (eight), Maharashtra (seven), Rajasthan (five), Tamil Nadu (four), Telangana (two) and Delhi (one). are reported. However, it is a matter of relief that mild-moderate symptoms are being seen in most people and they are easily recovering at home.
Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj said we have increased the number of testing. Testing is being done rapidly in private and government hospitals. On Thursday, reports of three genome sequencing were received, out of which two were old Omicron variants and one was JN.1 infected.
Don't panic if you have a cold and cough, it could also be the flu.
Doctors say that with the new variant, not only infection but also the fear of corona is increasing among people once again. However, it is also worth noting here that this season is of common cold and flu. This means that every time you have a fever, cold, and cough, it does not mean that you have also been infected with corona. Although the symptoms of cold flu and corona are almost similar, there are some differences that are important to pay attention to.
This is how to differentiate between symptoms
Respiratory disease specialist Dr. M. Vikramjeet explains, that unless you get tested, it can be difficult to differentiate between the symptoms of corona and the common cold. We have been getting flu cases for the last three months but without testing, we do not know whether there were Covid cases among them or not. Most of the people infected with Corona are suffering from upper respiratory system problems along with fever, fatigue, sneezing, sore throat, and cough. What can be said from the studies so far is that if a person has COVID-19, it may take longer from the time of infection to experiencing symptoms than with the flu.
Go for the Covid test only if the symptoms are not getting relief with the usual treatment within 4-5 days. Initially, take rest with paracetamol medicine and consume liquid and nutritious things. Most people get relief from this.
(PC: iStock)
