Covid-19 surge in Asia: All about JN.1 variant and existing vaccines

A fresh wave of Covid-19 has been reported across Asia including countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Thailand. According to experts, the JN. 1 variant is contributing to the rising Covid infections. 

 

All about JN. 1 variant

 

Originating from the Omicron BA.2.86 lineage, JN.1 was first detected in September 2023 in the United States. It was classified as a Variant of Interest (VOI) in December 2023 by the World Health Organisation (WHO). 

 

Since then it spread to countries including China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore. 

 

In India, the first case of JN. 1 was reported in Kerala. As of January this year, over 1,000 cases have been detected across 17 states. Currently, India has 257 active Covid-19 cases with Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu topping the list. 

 

However, as per WHO JN. 1 strain does not pose a higher global public health risk compared to other variants. 

 

The symptoms associated with JN. 1 are similar to those of the Covid-19 strains including fever, sore throat, dry cough, fatigue and so on. 

 

Types of Covid vaccines

 

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine: These preventive vaccines use mRNA that directs cells to produce copies of a protein on the outside of the coronavirus known as 'spike protein'. This causes the body to create antibodies that with help clear out the virus.

 

Vector vaccine: In this vaccine, a harmless virus is used to deliver to the hosts cells the genetic code of the antigen you want the immune system to fight. 

 

Protein subunit vaccine: Subunit vaccines include only the parts of a virus that best stimulate the immune system. This type of COVID-19 vaccine has harmless spike proteins in it. Once the immune system recognises the spike proteins, it creates antibodies and defensive WBCs to fight the virus. 

 

Health experts have advised people to take necessary precautions including wearing masks, vaccination, maintaining regular hygiene such as regular handwashing and using hand sanitisers. 

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