What is JN.1? Here is everything you need to know about the new COVID variant!

Recently, JN.1, the sub-variant of SARS-CoV-2 has been classified as a distinct variant from the parent lineage of BA.2.86 by the World Health Organization. This new sub-variant is rapidly spreading and making many of its prey. Here we discuss how the JN.1 has emerged, and what potential implications the new variant holds.

How did JN.1 emerge?

It was in late 2023 when the JN.1 i.e. BA.2:86.1 took birth as a descendant of the lineage of BA-2.86 of the SARS-COV2.

Seeing the increasing number of cases, it won't be wrong to say that the COVID variant may either be more contagious, or it may be more capable of eluding the medical defenses.

It was in August 2023 when the BA.2.86 lineage was identified for the very first time. It is important to note that the BA.2.86 lineage is actually more phylogenetically different from the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron XBB ones. It is also quite distinct from the HK.3 and the EG5.1.

Is the virus immune evasive?

Well, to answer this, one needs to understand its components. The BA.2.86 holds a total of 30 mutations and more in the spike (S) protein. This makes the virus highly immune and evasive. It is essential to note that the SL455F mutation may be helpful for the virus to enhance its transmissibility and make it more immune evasive than others.

Now, there is only one mutation in the spike protein that actually makes the JN.1 variant different from the BA.2.86 or the Pirola. That mutation is actually a single one.

At present, the World Health Organization considers JN.1 as a VOI (variant of interest). This is because the JN.1 is linked with enhanced transmissibility chances because of its mutations in the spike protein. However, not much data is available till now on its severity.

Are the symptoms similar to the Omicron strains?

Well, the mild symptoms are no different from those of the earlier Omicron strains. However, some changes in symptoms could be seen.

According to experts, runny nose, fever, headache, and sore throat are common symptoms. Additionally, some cases may also report mild gastrointestinal issues as one of the earlier signs.

Not to miss, some patients also report symptoms such as shortness of breath. Trouble in breathing and symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections are some of the signs. Many patients report nasal block and runny nose. Additionally, there are some more symptoms to look for, including cough, loss of smell or taste, or myalgia. 

While a majority of these symptoms are actually mild in nature, some of these such as extreme breathlessness and a fall in the saturation of oxygen levels may demand some serious steps to be taken, as they may lead to pneumonia as well.