The World Health Organization (WHO) announces a new covid variant called “ JN.1” or “variant of interest”, which causes more severe symptoms.
The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that the risk to the public remains low, and existing vaccines continue to provide protection. However, there is a precaution about the possible increase in Covid and other infections during the cold weather. In addition to Covid, respiratory viruses like the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and childhood pneumonia are on the rise in the northern hemisphere.
The virus responsible for Covid is constantly evolving, leading to the emergence of new variants. Omicron has been one of its variants. The WHO is actively monitoring several variants associated with Omicron, including JN.1.
Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) president Dr. Rontgene Solante addressed the need to closely monitor the new variant that could trigger a further increase in cases of the infectious disease.
“I think we need to monitor this one. I don’t know if it has been detected in our surveillance, but given the fact that it is in neighboring countries and we do not have travel restrictions, in due time it will be here as well,” Solante said yesterday in an interview.
Solante noted that even before the pandemic, influenza-like illnesses (ILI) normally jumped during cold months.
He added that a majority of those who got infected with COVID as well as other respiratory viruses have recovered fast and did not require hospitalization.
He said people need to strengthen their immune systems to avoid getting severe types of ILI and COVID.
Meanwhile, JN.1 is currently found in many countries around the world, including India, China, UK and the United States.
The locals are encouraging people to wear facemasks and follow proper health protocol due to the current situation.
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