Covid JN.1 variant : What you need to know?

Posted By Suborna Fermi Posted on Jun 01, 2025

The name of Covid-19 is enough to leave us terrified, even after several years post-pendemic. During the deadly rampage of coronavirus, the world lost countless lives. Recently, the new subvariant of omicron called JN.1 is increasing concern among all of us. Let’s share a glance at how much we know about it so far.

The JN.1 and its descendants are contributing to the upliftment of covid cases across the continent. This new subvariant evolved from the omicron lineage. The rising number of current covid cases all over the globe are mainly driven by this new variant and its descendants named LF.7, NB.1.8 and LP.8.1.

How dangerous is the JN.1 variant?

Although the risk of facing any kind of severe illness is lower after getting infected by this variant, it is recommended to every individual who is at a higher risk of getting infected to keep taking precautionary measures.

Some characteristics of this variant according to WHO are mentioned below.

• This variant is more transmissive.
• The risk for immunity escape for this variant is moderate.
• The illnesses caused by this variant are not as severe as the ones caused by other variants.

Should India worry about this new variant?

The cases caused by this variant are rising all over the globe. Fortunately, health experts indicate India’s situation remains under control. The cases that have been reported so far are mild and there is no noticeable hike in the number of hospitalizations. However, continuation of precautionary measures is mandatory to prevent its spread.

Can the currently available Covid-19 tests detect this new variant?

Yes, an RT-PCR test or Covid RT-PCR test is still the most effective way to detect this variant. It’s recommended to go for this test once the primary symptoms of Covid-19 starts showing up.

How do you know If you have been infected by this new variant?

Although Covid tests can detect the presence of this variant, the test can not determine whether you have been infected with the JN.1 variant or any other variant. A special lab test is required to know exactly which variant caused the infection in your body. However, such lab tests are mainly purposed for research and tracking the spread or virus, those are not meant to be used for routine diagnosis. Also, the JN.1 variant symptoms resemble closely with the symptoms of seasonal flu or allergies, so it may become difficult to differentiate.

Do vaccines work against this new variant?

Available Covid vaccines are supposed to work against this variant as they work effectively on other Covid variants.

How to stay protected from this variant?

The precautionary measures are the same as what we all used to take during the days of corona outburst. Some of the major precautionary measures you can take to stay protected are

• Wash your hands regularly and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Wear a mask every time you come across a crowded area.
• Maintain a safe distance from people who are already infected.
• Keep an eye on occurring symptoms and seek medical attention in case of any serious illness.

Do not panic if you have started experiencing Covid symptoms. Try to stay under the careful guidance of medical experts and keep yourself isolated from others till the symptoms go away. However, if you are already vaccinated, then your risk of facing any severe illness because of Covid is supposed to be lower compared to the ones who haven’t got the vaccine yet.