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The evolving landscape of Covid-19 has introduced fresh concerns as health authorities in the UK have identified anxiety and sleeping difficulties as new symptoms linked to the latest Covid-19 sub-variant, JN.1, according to a recent report.
Originating from the Omicron lineage and first detected in August, JN.1 has rapidly spread across over 40 countries, prompting its classification as a variant of interest (VOI) by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Distinguished as a descendant lineage of BA.2.86, JN.1 carries the L455S mutation in the spike protein, contributing to its heightened transmissibility. Yet, as of now, no reports have signaled any novel or distinctive symptoms associated with this variant.
Commonly reported symptoms linked to JN.1 predominantly involve upper respiratory tract infections, encompassing fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and runny nose.
However, recent data from December 2023, compiled by the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS), has unveiled two new symptoms: trouble sleeping and anxiety. The winter Covid report from ONS revealed that over 10% of individuals with Covid in the UK consistently reported experiencing anxiety or excessive worrying since early November.
Highlighting the prevalent symptoms recorded, the data showcased common indicators among Covid-19 cases, including runny nose (31.1%), cough (22.9%), headache (20.1%), fatigue (19.6%), muscle pain (15.8%), sore throat (13.2%), trouble sleeping (10.8%), and anxiety (10.5%).
Surprisingly, the once-frequent loss of taste and smell now accounts for only 2-3% of reported cases in the UK. The manifestation of symptoms varies from person to person, contingent on individual health and immune responses to the virus.
These discoveries coincide with a global surge in Covid-19 infections, with the WHO reporting a 52% increase in new cases over the past month, alongside escalated hospital admissions and fatalities worldwide.
In India, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare documented 573 fresh Covid cases and two deaths in the last 24 hours. The country has recorded a total of 197 cases of the JN.1 variant across 11 states, emphasizing that severity remains low, particularly among individuals without pre-existing comorbidities.
Dr. Kirti Sabnis, an Infectious Disease Specialist at Fortis Hospital Mulund, highlighted the mild nature of cases and the rarity of severe illnesses or fatalities associated with JN.1, advising continued adherence to mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and avoiding public gatherings, especially for individuals exhibiting symptoms or feeling unwell.
