Current:Home > StocksJN.1 takes over as the most prevalent COVID-19 variant. Here's what you need to know -Dynamic Money Growth
JN.1 takes over as the most prevalent COVID-19 variant. Here's what you need to know
View
Date:2025-04-13 11:21:05
A new, fast-spreading variant of COVID-19 is sweeping across the nation, making it the most widely circulating iteration of the virus in the U.S. and around the world, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The mutation, called JN.1, is a subvariant of Omicron that was first detected by the World Health Organization in late August. At the time it appeared to be spreading slowly but as temperatures have dipped, JN.1 has spiked.
In mid-October, CDC data shows JN.1 made up about 0.1% of all COVID-19 cases around the country. As of Jan. 20, the CDC estimates that's now up to approximately 86%.
"Most likely, if you're getting COVID right now, you're getting this particular variant mutation," Eyal Oren, a director and professor of epidemiology at the School of Public Health at San Diego State University, told NPR.
Oren added that one of the reasons for the latest surge is that the virus continues to evolve so rapidly that "our immune systems have not been able to keep up."
Another reason is that "not enough Americans are vaccinated," according to the CDC. Earlier this month, only 11% of children and 21% of adults were reported to have received the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Meanwhile, only 40% of adults age 65 and older, which are the highest risk group, have gotten the updated vaccine in the last year.
The CDC says COVID-19 vaccines can reduce severe illness and hospitalizations.
The low rates for COVD-19 vaccinations, along with those against influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are of such great concern that the CDC issued an alert to health care workers last month. The combination of rising flu, RSV and COVID cases "could lead to more severe disease and increased healthcare capacity strain in the coming weeks," the agency predicted.
People may be wrongly assuming that the current COVID booster won't protect them from JN.1 or other new strains, Oren said. But the most recent vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Novavax are all expected to help lower chances of serious illness or hospitalization from JN.1.
What are the symptoms of JN.1?
CDC data indicates that this strain is no more severe than previous iterations, and the list of symptoms remains consistent with what they have been for COVID-19 in recent years: fever, chills, coughing, muscle aches, shortness of breath, sore throat, congestion, headaches, fatigue, and losing one's taste or smell.
Oren noted that most of the list consists of ailments that could be confused with those caused by other viruses common during winter months, including the flu, RSV or the common cold.
"That's why it's so important to get vaccinated and to get tested [for COVID], particularly if someone is at higher risk of severe outcomes," he said.
How to stay safe
Oren urged all people, but especially those in high-risk categories, to take precautions by wearing masks, avoiding crowded places, and washing their hands. "And if you're sick stay home," he said.
The CDC reported that over the last 4 weeks, hospitalizations among all age groups increased, by 200% for influenza, 51% for COVID-19, and 60% for RSV.
The federal government offers free rapid COVID-19 tests through the mail. Four free tests can be ordered at COVIDTests.gov and will be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.
veryGood! (9251)
Related
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- US arrests reputed Peruvian gang leader wanted for 23 killings in his home country
- Watch mom freeze in shock when airman son surprises her after two years apart
- Taylor Swift drops 'Tortured Poets' song with new title seemingly aimed at Kanye West
- Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
- RHOC's Alexis Bellino Threatens to Expose Videos of Shannon Beador From Night of DUI
- Nordstrom Rack's Back-to-School Sale: Score Up to 82% Off Free People, Marc Jacobs & More Before It Ends
- Honolulu mayor vows tougher approach on homelessness
- Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
- AP Week in Pictures: Global
Ranking
- Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
- Keke Palmer Shares How 17-Month-Old Son Leodis Has Completely Changed Her Life
- Trans teens file lawsuit challenging New Hampshire law banning them from girls’ sports
- Notre Dame suspends men's swimming team over gambling violations, troubling misconduct
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- General Hospital Actor Johnny Wactor's Death: Authorities Arrest 4 People in Connection to Fatal Shooting
- Nevada gaming regulators accuse Resorts World casino of accommodating illegal gambling
- Matthew Perry’s death leads to sweeping indictment of 5, including doctors and reputed dealers
Recommendation
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
Could Alex Murdaugh get new trial for South Carolina murders of wife and son?
Iowa proposes summer grocery boxes as alternative to direct cash payments for low-income families
The Daily Money: Inflation eased in July
The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
Escaped inmate convicted of murder captured in North Carolina hotel after dayslong manhunt
NBA schedule 2024-25: Christmas Day games include Lakers-Warriors and 76ers-Celtics
Millennials, Gen Z are 'spiraling,' partying hard and blowing their savings. Why?