JN.1, the latest fast-spreading COVID version – IS NOW – the most widely circulating disease variant, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
An offspring of earlier Omicron variants, JN.1 accounts for about 62% of current cases, that’s up from 44% just two weeks ago. “COVID-19 activity is currently high. COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths have increased in recent weeks. JN.1 may be intensifying the spread of COVID-19 this winter,” according to the CDC in a recent statement.
BUT, the good news is, amid the surge, COVID infections are now causing severe disease less frequently; although cases are up some 27% from the same time last year the number of virus-related illnesses that do require emergency room visits is 21% lower and COVID hospitalization numbers are 22% lower than at this point in 2023; plus the percent of total deaths associated with COVID is down 38%.
The CDC said the change in infection levels vs. severe illness is related to greater immune protections provided by vaccines, prior infection OR the combination.
Most common symptoms and the order they appear:
JN.1 DOES NOT appear to cause more severe illness than previous strains and its symptoms are similar. They include:
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fever or chills
- Loss of sense of taste or smell
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
There does appear to be an order in which the symptoms are appearing.
Doctors are seeing more upper respiratory symptoms, which start with a sore throat followed by congestion and cough.
(www.AL.COM)