Professor Deepak Sehgal, Virologist, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi NCR highlights that The Omicron variant JN.1, which is currently circulating globally, has been classified by the WHO as a Variant of Concern (VOC) because of its global distribution and rise in infection. The spike region of the parent virus, which is crucial for the virus’s transmission into the host cell, has been found to include more than 30 mutations in the SARS sub-lineage strain JN.1
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been reported to have multiple variants worldwide, in the past. Like other viruses, SARS-CoV-2 is always evolving because of spontaneous mutations that occur sometimes in the viral genome. The Omicron variant JN.1, which is currently circulating globally, has been classified by the WHO as a Variant of Concern (VOC) because of its global distribution and rise in infection. The spike region of the parent virus, which is crucial for the virus’s transmission into the host cell, has been found to include more than 30 mutations in the SARS sub-lineage strain JN.1. The viral infection leads to symptoms like fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, mild gastrointestinal problems, and troubled breathing. Safety measures, such as mask-wearing, social distancing, sanitisation, seeking medical assistance at the outset of symptoms, and improved ventilation are necessary to prevent the infection.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration), USA and CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention), USA have declared that this variant will not lead to more drastic health concerns as compared to others present during COVID-19, despite significant mutations in its genome. The genomes of the previous variants of alpha, delta, or Omicron are somewhat different from those of JN.1, a sub-lineage strain of Omicron, but this will not significantly alter their transmissibility or infectibility of the new variant. Second, because of the vaccination, booster dose and infection received during COVID-19, our bodies can handle this strain. However, the number of antibodies, raised through vaccination, may reduce after 12 to 18 months and subsequently require the application of the booster dose to increase their titre in the body. Healthcare providers must decide whether to administer a booster shot to everyone or just to those who are immunocompromised or have co-morbidities. FDA and CDC have previously recommended that the booster dose be implemented for all in the United States. Further, the CDC’s notification that the medications and prior immunizations given during COVID-19 will be effective against this strain as well, offers some respite. Furthermore, the standardised therapeutic monoclonal antibodies produced earlier during COVID-19 or the antibiotics like Paxlovid, Veklury, and Lagevrio, are supposed to remain effective against JN.1 too. Therefore, no more time needs to be spent to generate new medicines against this variant.
To get ready, the Indian government has instructed states to evaluate the oxygen cylinders, ventilators, beds, and other necessities of their hospitals. Every three months, a simulated trial will be held to gauge how well the healthcare system is equipped. The monitoring mechanism for whole genome sequencing of positive case samples is being strengthened further in order to track mutations through the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG).
Summarily, there’s no need to panic as we begin to confront the problem, but prudence and following the advice are still crucial. It is imperative to acknowledge and embrace the truth that coronaviruses are here to stay and that we must adapt ourselves to co-exist with them. Strong precautions need to be followed in winters since it is the optimal time for other viruses to infect too. The expectation of three viruses emerging at roughly the same time SARSCoV-2, influenza, and RSV has led to the prediction of a “tripledemic” in recent years. It is advised to take the vaccine against respiratory viruses like Flu, which is available in the market.