Category: Corona Virus

As Canada enters its fifth year navigating COVID-19, some experts and advocates are worried treatment options for the virus remain disappointingly inadequate.

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Despite significant strides in understanding the virus, Jennifer Hulme, a 42-year-old emergency physician at the University Health Network in Toronto, says many Canadians suffering from long-term COVID-19 are left without many options.

She is one of them.

I got COVID on April 1, 2022, and Ive been sick ever since, she told Global News, adding that when she first contracted the virus it was relatively mild.

I wasnt completely bedbound for the full 10 days. I was able to walk around, and I was taking care of my toddler, who also had COVID at the same time, she said. I felt quite confident that I would be able to get back to my normal.

After testing negative on day 11, Hulme said other than lingering fatigue, she was functional and able to go back to work.

However, more than a week later, she said she was suddenly struck with a completely new set of symptoms that were terrifying and disabling, and exactly what she was worried about long COVID.

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Long COVID, also known as post-COVID-19 conditions, refers to physical or psychological symptoms experienced more than 12 weeks after getting infected with the virus, according to Health Canada.

While the exact number of long COVID cases remains uncertain in Canada, preliminary findings from Health Canadas March 2023 report on the disease help shed light on the matter. It found more than 17 per cent of adults who got the virus reported longer-term symptoms after having had COVID-19.

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Symptoms can range from extreme fatigue, difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, depression or anxiety or stomach pain, according to Health Canada.

There is no cure for long COVID, and treatment options are scarce.

Its also not fully understood what causes it, but Dr. Brian Conway, medical director of the Vancouver Infectious Disease Centre, said there are some theories.

Whether it relates to residual low-level viral infection, whether it relates to damage that was done to the organ systems that were affected during COVID, or whether it relates to the immune system remaining turned on after infection, he said, all three of those things require three different treatments.

When Hulme fell ill with long COVID, she said her symptoms ranged from severe cognitive impairment, disorientation, and shortness of breath to extreme fatigue. Confined to bed, she struggled to even recall her house address.

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She said she was desperate for these debilitating symptoms not to become chronic.

Like most people, as soon as you get sick with long COVID, youre like, how can I make this get better, faster? she stated.

However, her doctor said there was not a lot they could do. She was told to take time off work and rest as there were not a lot of evidence-based treatments available.

It was a nightmare. We now know that the quality-of-life impact on people is similar or worse than those with stage four cancer, she said. The treatment is resting and pacing.

In Canada, Paxlovid (a mix of two anti-viral drugs, oral nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) is the most commonly used treatment option to help ease COVID-19 symptoms.

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The drug is authorized by Health Canada to treat adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 and who are at high risk of serious illness, including hospitalization or death.

Paxlovid helps alleviate some of the symptoms of COVID-19, explained Zahid Butt, an infectious disease epidemiologist at the University of Waterloo. Its mostly given to people who are 60 years of age and above and its mostly intended for a target group.

A patient will take the drug twice a day for five days, he said. But it is not meant for long-term use, meaning those suffering from long COVID cannot continue taking it.

If you develop severe disease then its a different story because then its more like supportive treatment and youre put on life support and other things, Butt said. We dont have a lot of drugs actually to fight against COVID-19. For long COVID, currently, there is no cure, and theres no real treatment. Its more a supportive treatment.

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Hulme can attest to this.

As she was starting to slowly recover from her long-haul symptoms, in November 2022 she contracted COVID-19 again. But this time, she immediately went on Paxlovid.

While it provided temporary relief for her symptoms, she said it still wasnt a cure, and she continues to grapple with the lingering effects of long COVID.

It didnt do me any good from a long COVID perspective, but I do think it prevented it from getting worse in my case, Hulme said.

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Although other treatment options have helped, such as physiotherapy, anti-depressants and metformin (a common diabetes drug that helps relieve COVID-19 symptoms), Hulme said shes still without a magic bullet.

When we talk about real treatments like really treating the underlying cause of long COVID youre going to be disappointed, she said.

There is currently a Canadian clinical trial for the long-term use of Paxlovid, one that Hulme was a part of. Its called CanTreatCOVID and the study looks at whether any acute treatment can prevent long COVID.

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Identifying long COVID presents a major hurdle, primarily due to the wide spectrum of symptoms, Butt explained. The sheer variety of symptomsoften results in many individuals and health-care providers overlooking the lasting impact of the virus.

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The issue with long COVID has been in recognizing or creating a definition, he said. You have like 100 or 200 symptoms of long COVID. And I think theres some under-reporting of long COVID because some people may not think that these fatigue or other symptoms that they have are related to the infection that they had maybe a year back or so.

He believes that we are only beginning to see the lasting effects of the pandemic, and among these impacts is the realization dawning on people that they may be grappling with long COVID.

I think awareness is very essential. Public health messaging is very important, he said.

Once people are aware of the condition, Butt believes current treatment options can centre around a holistic approach, acknowledging the multifaceted challenges associated with long COVID.

If you look at long COVID, its kind of like a multisystem disease because it affects different parts of the body, he said.

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So the care should also be holistic in the sense that you should have a team. A team of internists, a team of neurologists, and psychiatrists take care of the patient. I dont think its just enough for just a family doctor to treat all the different spectrum of symptoms.

This is why, patients like Hulme are advocating for more long-COVID clinics across Canada as a way to provide specialized care to a multisystem disease.

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Hulme has been a patient at the University Health Networks Post-COVID Condition Rehabilitation Program since she was diagnosed with the condition in 2022.

The rehabilitation centre has been key for recovery, she said, adding that she was able to access different specialists on her road to recovery, such a physiotherapists. She noted that the hyperbaric oxygen was incredibly helpful for her.

I do think its needed because for the family doctor to take this on it is incredibly complex and challenging, she said. I think what the government can do is to help create a network of long-COVID clinics that can be integrated with primary care.

However, experts like Conway advise that the long COVID clinics, specifically in British Columbia (which have all since shut down), did not show to be successful.

They were not necessarily being as helpful as they could be, he said. The wait lists were in the neighbourhood of nine to 12 months. So it wasnt really serving a purpose, noting that this is because the symptoms of long COVID often begin to subside after the first year for many individuals.

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While there isnt a universally recognized standard of care for long COVID, Conway advises people who suspect they may be affected to seek out local experts. These experts, he said, can work closely with them to explore potential clinical trials or medications.

The World Health Organization said in March 2023 that because long COVID is a new condition, doctors have often been uncertain as to the most effective ways to care for these patients. With over 200 reported symptoms, a one-size-fits-all treatment plan simply does not work.

The WHO has also published a rehabilitation guideline for those suffering from long-term COVID-19, which includes physiotherapy, pain education, prescription of short-term anti-inflammatory drugs and mental health support.

Meanwhile, Hulme believes there just isnt an appetite to treat COVID as she believes its not very profitable.

Butthere is no lack of demand, she said. I have 13 people asking me for help right now. I feel like Ive been like the personal doctor to everyone in the country because they have no support.

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Canada enters 5th year of COVID-19. Are we falling short in treatment? - Global News

COVID-19 in India latest: Active coronavirus cases in India crossed the 4,100 mark on Tuesday as a total of 412 fresh cases of JN.1 COVID-19 subvariant were reported in the last 24 hours. While the number of active cases in India stood at 4,170 on Tuesday, the total death toll reached 5.33 lakh, as per the Union Health Ministry data.

India reported an increase of 628 new coronavirus cases on Monday as the number of active cases went up to 4,054. One death due to COVID-19 was reported from Kerala in the last 24 hours, the data further suggested.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka cabinet sub-committee on coronavirus will meet on Tuesday after 34 cases of the JN.1 subvariant were reported in the state on Monday. Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Monday said that there will be no restrictions as of now. He also stressed the need for people to remain cautious.

Moreover, the Delhi government has advised people to wear masks and avoid gatherings amid the fresh rise in coronavirus infections and the upcoming new year celebrations. Thirty-four cases of the JN.1 COVID-19 subvariant on Monday were confirmed in Karnataka. Of these, 20 cases were reported from Bengaluru, four in Mysuru, three in Mandya, one each from Ramanagara, Bengaluru Rural, Kodagu and Chamaraja Nagara.

As of Sunday, a total of 63 cases of the JN.1 variant were reported from India. Of these, 34 cases were from Goa, 9 from Maharashtra, 8 from Karnataka, 6 from Kerala, 4 from Tamil Nadu and 2 from Telangana. The JN.1 COVID-19 subvariant is driving coronavirus cases in some countries including India.

Commenting on the JN.1 variant, former AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria said that this variant is more transmissable and is spreading rapidly. He said that the symptoms in those infected include fever, cough, cold, sore throat, running nose and body aches.

When asked if existing vaccines will be effective against this variant, Guleria told news agency ANI: "Jn.1 is sub-lineage of Omicron. So a vaccine that is made against Omicron will be effective against this variant also. We need more data first to show what is the current immunity in the population, and the protection that have based on the previous vaccination that we have got, based on that, only can we decide that do we need a new vaccine, that covers the current circulating strain, and that is something that has to be done regularly because variants will keep changing."

Also Read:30 Delhi airport flights delayed, 14 trains affected as dense fog envelops North India

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COVID-19 in India: Active cases surpass 4,100, 412 new JN.1 infections reported in 24 hours - Business Today

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HARLINGEN Caitlyn Gonzales saw firsthand how important nurses are during the pandemic.

I was diagnosed with COVID-19 five different times during the pandemic, she said. It was a difficult time, but I turned those situations into a positive. I thank the team of nurses who took care of me. They motivated me to become a nurse and help others.

Gonzales gratitude for the care that she herself received came full circle when she recently graduated with a certificate of completion in Vocational Nursing from Texas State Technical College. Now she is a full-time vocational nurse at South Texas Rehabilitation Hospital in Brownsville.

I did my clinicals at the hospital, and the work culture is inspiring, she said. My job consists of administering medications, getting a patients vital signs, and other duties.

An online search led Gonzales to TSTC.

I learned that the program was close to home, family-oriented, and I wanted to be a part of that while I studied for a nursing career, she said. The hands-on technical skills that I gained prepared me to give patients good health care.

Heather Sauceda is TSTCs Vocational Nursing program director.

Caitlyn has been trained with the best knowledge and skills, and her patients will be treated with the utmost respect, dignity and care, she said.

Maria Hernandez is a registered nurse for South Texas Rehabilitation Hospital and an alumna of TSTCs Nursing program.

I was Caitlyns preceptor during her clinicals, Hernandez said. Shes a hard worker and volunteered to learn new things for patient care.

Gonzales said her immediate goal is to increase her knowledge.

I look forward to learning from other nurses, she said. I also plan to further my education because I want to become a registered nurse.

In Texas, licensed vocational nurses earn an average annual salary of $50,910, according to onetonline.org, which forecast the number of such positions to grow in the state by 17% from 2020 to 2030.

TSTC offers a Vocational Nursing certificate of completion at its Breckenridge, Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses. An Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing is offered at its Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses.

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

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Personal bout with coronavirus is career catalyst for TSTC Vocational Nursing graduate - Brownsville Herald

New Delhi:All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi on Wednesday released directives for individuals suspected or confirmed with Covid-19, to be observed at hospitals in response to the abrupt increase in Coronavirus cases across the nation.

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Amid the surging coronavirus cases,the director of AIIMS Delhi convened a meeting with department heads of the hospital to discuss contingency measures for Covid-19 on Wednesday. The meeting focused on formulating policies for Covid-19 testing, identifying specific areas for positive patients, and outlining procedures for their hospitalization.

As per the policy on Covid-19 testing, directed by the management, testing will be done for patients with SARI (severe acute respiratory infection) like symptoms that include according to the WHO, acute respiratory infection, persistent fever or fever of >= 38 C with cough and onset within last 10 days. The office memorandum was issued after the meeting.

It further asked all the departments at the institution to make provisions in their respective designated wards to manage in-patients who have tested positive for COVID-19. "12 beds in the C6 ward will be earmarked for hospitalization of seriously ill Covid-19 patients," the memorandum said.

It also said that a screening OPD in the Emergency Department will screen patients for Covid-like symptoms and triage them same based on the medical requirements. "Rooms no 1 to 12 in the new private ward are to be earmarked for hospitalization of Covid-19 positive EHS beneficiaries," it added.

"Engineering works in the New Blocks, Masjid Moth Campus--The ESD is required to install UVGA filters and HEPA filters in all the new blocks situated in the Masjid Moth Campus at the earliest," it said further.

Notably, the national capital has reported the first case of JN.1 variant infection. "Delhi has reported the first case of JN.1, a Sub-Variant of Omicron. Out of the 3 samples sent for Genome Sequencing, one is JN.1 and the other two are Omicron," Bharadwaj told ANI.

Meanwhile, a total of 109 JN.1 Covid variant cases have been reported in the country as of December 26, Health Ministry sources said on Wednesday. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently classified JN.1 as a variant of interest, distinct from its parent lineage BA.2.86. However, the global health body emphasised that the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low based on current evidence.

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AIIMS Delhi Releases Guidelines For Covid-19 Suspected And Positive Cases - Zee News

Its telling us that COVID has not left us, said Dr. Pablo Rodriguez, a public health advocate and host of Nuestra Salud on Latina 100.3 FM. Its still with us, and the new variants are definitely creating a spike in new infections.

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The coronavirus is spreading more than many people realize, he said. These days, fewer people are getting tested and those who do often take the tests at home and dont share the results with the Department of Health, he said.

So at this point, the best measure is to watch the wastewater, Rodriguez said. Hospital admissions are the next shoe to drop.

Joseph Wendelken, a spokesman for the state Department of Health, said, Over the last few weeks, we have seen increases across all our metrics, including wastewater. Our modeling anticipated a small increase around this time, a few weeks after Thanksgiving, and as people are having holiday gatherings.

Rhode Islands COVID-19 data will not be updated this week. Data will be updated again on Jan. 4.

But according to the most recent data, Wendelken said, the increase is similar to those seen over the last few years in Rhode Island at this time. The states hospital admission level remains in the low tier, and the wastewater levels remain lower than where they were at this time last year, he noted.

Still, Wendelken said, This is a reminder that people need to be taking prevention measures, especially this time of year.

The Department of Health recommends:

Rodriguez emphasized that anyone with symptoms should get tested immediately.

That is the most important thing, he said. I see people coughing they should not go out unless they have tested themselves and made sure its not COVID. If its a cold, its a cold. But you should not assume that, Oh, this doesnt seem like COVID. If you have any cold or flu symptoms, you should get tested.

The good news, Rodriguez said, is that many more people have immunity now, compared to when the pandemic began. He estimated that 90 percent of people have been previously infected or vaccinated. So we have that, as much as herd immunity is going to help, he said.

But the new, highly contagious COVID-19 variant, called JN.1, makes previous vaccinations ineffective, Rodriguez said.

So, he urged those older than 65 and those with immune deficiencies and chronic conditions to get the latest vaccine. The vaccine will not prevent you from getting COVID, he said, but it will help prevent you from dying or being hospitalized or getting post-COVID syndrome.

The bad news, Rodriguez said, is that just 15 percent of Rhode Island residents have received the latest vaccine booster.

Thats down from the nearly 50 percent uptake for the first booster shot in 2021 and 25 percent for the bivalent booster at this time last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Across the country, vaccination rates are so low for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 that the CDC has issued a health advisory warning the situation could lead to more severe illnesses and overburdened hospitals in the weeks ahead.

In Massachusetts, the amount of the virus found in wastewater levels has roughly doubled since Thanksgiving and hospital admissions are up in several counties. The amount of COVID-19 in wastewater across the city of Boston rose by 23 percent over two weeks.

Though the latest version of booster shots confers broad protection against a new, highly contagious variant that is expected to gain dominance in the coming weeks, just 17 percent of Massachusetts residents have received it, according to the latest numbers from the Department of Public Health.

Edward Fitzpatrick can be reached at edward.fitzpatrick@globe.com. Follow him @FitzProv.

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Coronavirus levels rising in R.I. wastewater - The Boston Globe

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Coronavirus By IANS 19 hours ago TWC India

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A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has identified a protein in the SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19, that antagonises the hosts immune system!

In the study, published in the journal Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, the team identified a viral protein called ORF6, which blocks immunity. During COVID-19 infection, the bodys early antiviral responses are orchestrated by interferons (IFNs), triggering specific signalling events that pose a critical hurdle for viruses. Among the identified proteins, ORF6 was found as the most potent inhibitor of IFN induction and signaling.

The research, led by Oyahida Khatun, Mansi Sharma and others, from the Center for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR) at IISc, showed that the protein paralyses the cell's innate immunity through multiple mechanisms. While consistent with previous research on ORF6 function, the study provided evidence that ORF6 directly interacts with a specific host viral sensor called RIG-I, responsible for recognising viral RNA in infected cells.

The presence of the SARS-CoV-2 ORF6 protein resulted in reduced levels of RIG-I and the degradation of an enzyme called TRIM25, crucial for activating RIG-I and controlling viral infection. Consequently, ORF6 also obstructed the expression of antiviral genes downstream of RIG-I by blocking the nuclear import of transcription factors involved in this process.

This is analogous to disabling the ignition (RIG-I) and applying the brakes (inhibiting antiviral gene expression) to halt the cellular antiviral response. Furthermore, the researchers proposed the possibility of removing genes coding for ORF6 and other IFN antagonists from the SARS-CoV-2 viral genome as a potential strategy for developing live vaccines.

**

The above article has been published from a wire agency with minimal modifications to the headline and text.

The Weather Companys primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.

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IISc Scientists Identify COVID-19 Protein that Thwarts Host's Immunity - The Weather Channel

The omicron coronavirus subvariant JN.1 now makes up 44.2% of COVID-19 cases in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.As of Friday, CDC data estimates indicate that the quickly spreading variant is now causing almost half of infections nationwide, when just days ago it was estimated that JN.1 caused only about 20% of infections.JN.1 makes up nearly 57% of new COVID-19 cases in the Northeast, according to the data. Earlier this week, the variant was already dominant in the region, causing about a third of new infections at the time.Globally, JN.1 continues to be reported in multiple countries, and its prevalence has been rapidly increasing. The World Health Organization named it a variant of interest on Tuesday because of its rapidly increasing spread but noted that the additional public health risk remains low.The CDC estimates that the prevalence of JN.1 more than doubled in the U.S. between late November and mid-December. It seems to be getting an assist from holiday travel and waning immunity.Variant trackers say they expect JN.1 to become the leading coronavirus variant around the world in a matter of weeks.Vaccine immunity is expected to remain cross-reactive to JN.1 a descendant of the variant BA.2.86 itself a subvariant that came to the worlds attention over the summer because of the large number of changes to its spike proteins.COVID-19 caused seven hospitalizations for every 100,000 people in the week ending on Dec. 9, accounting for a 3% increase, CDC data shows.More than three-quarters of U.S. hospital beds are currently in use, which is largely in line with trends over the past three years since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the CDC warns that rising respiratory virus hospitalizations could strain health care resources in the coming weeks.Overall, COVID-19 data shows weekly hospitalizations have been trending down in recent weeks.Meanwhile, flu hospitalizations are rising but remain steady compared with recent weeks, according to CDC data. Flu-like activity is very high in five states and high in 15 states.CNN Healths Brenda Goodman contributed to this report.

The omicron coronavirus subvariant JN.1 now makes up 44.2% of COVID-19 cases in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As of Friday, CDC data estimates indicate that the quickly spreading variant is now causing almost half of infections nationwide, when just days ago it was estimated that JN.1 caused only about 20% of infections.

JN.1 makes up nearly 57% of new COVID-19 cases in the Northeast, according to the data. Earlier this week, the variant was already dominant in the region, causing about a third of new infections at the time.

Globally, JN.1 continues to be reported in multiple countries, and its prevalence has been rapidly increasing. The World Health Organization named it a variant of interest on Tuesday because of its rapidly increasing spread but noted that the additional public health risk remains low.

The CDC estimates that the prevalence of JN.1 more than doubled in the U.S. between late November and mid-December. It seems to be getting an assist from holiday travel and waning immunity.

Variant trackers say they expect JN.1 to become the leading coronavirus variant around the world in a matter of weeks.

Vaccine immunity is expected to remain cross-reactive to JN.1 a descendant of the variant BA.2.86 itself a subvariant that came to the worlds attention over the summer because of the large number of changes to its spike proteins.

COVID-19 caused seven hospitalizations for every 100,000 people in the week ending on Dec. 9, accounting for a 3% increase, CDC data shows.

More than three-quarters of U.S. hospital beds are currently in use, which is largely in line with trends over the past three years since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the CDC warns that rising respiratory virus hospitalizations could strain health care resources in the coming weeks.

Overall, COVID-19 data shows weekly hospitalizations have been trending down in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, flu hospitalizations are rising but remain steady compared with recent weeks, according to CDC data. Flu-like activity is very high in five states and high in 15 states.

CNN Healths Brenda Goodman contributed to this report.

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COVID variant JN.1 now the leading cause of infections in the US - 4029tv

The omicron coronavirus subvariant JN.1 now makes up 44.2% of COVID-19 cases in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.As of Friday, CDC data estimates indicate that the quickly spreading variant is now causing almost half of infections nationwide, when just days ago it was estimated that JN.1 caused only about 20% of infections.JN.1 makes up nearly 57% of new COVID-19 cases in the Northeast, according to the data. Earlier this week, the variant was already dominant in the region, causing about a third of new infections at the time.Globally, JN.1 continues to be reported in multiple countries, and its prevalence has been rapidly increasing. The World Health Organization named it a variant of interest on Tuesday because of its rapidly increasing spread but noted that the additional public health risk remains low.The CDC estimates that the prevalence of JN.1 more than doubled in the U.S. between late November and mid-December. It seems to be getting an assist from holiday travel and waning immunity.Variant trackers say they expect JN.1 to become the leading coronavirus variant around the world in a matter of weeks.Vaccine immunity is expected to remain cross-reactive to JN.1 a descendant of the variant BA.2.86 itself a subvariant that came to the worlds attention over the summer because of the large number of changes to its spike proteins.COVID-19 caused seven hospitalizations for every 100,000 people in the week ending on Dec. 9, accounting for a 3% increase, CDC data shows.More than three-quarters of U.S. hospital beds are currently in use, which is largely in line with trends over the past three years since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the CDC warns that rising respiratory virus hospitalizations could strain health care resources in the coming weeks.Overall, COVID-19 data shows weekly hospitalizations have been trending down in recent weeks.Meanwhile, flu hospitalizations are rising but remain steady compared with recent weeks, according to CDC data. Flu-like activity is very high in five states and high in 15 states.CNN Healths Brenda Goodman contributed to this report.

The omicron coronavirus subvariant JN.1 now makes up 44.2% of COVID-19 cases in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As of Friday, CDC data estimates indicate that the quickly spreading variant is now causing almost half of infections nationwide, when just days ago it was estimated that JN.1 caused only about 20% of infections.

JN.1 makes up nearly 57% of new COVID-19 cases in the Northeast, according to the data. Earlier this week, the variant was already dominant in the region, causing about a third of new infections at the time.

Globally, JN.1 continues to be reported in multiple countries, and its prevalence has been rapidly increasing. The World Health Organization named it a variant of interest on Tuesday because of its rapidly increasing spread but noted that the additional public health risk remains low.

The CDC estimates that the prevalence of JN.1 more than doubled in the U.S. between late November and mid-December. It seems to be getting an assist from holiday travel and waning immunity.

Variant trackers say they expect JN.1 to become the leading coronavirus variant around the world in a matter of weeks.

Vaccine immunity is expected to remain cross-reactive to JN.1 a descendant of the variant BA.2.86 itself a subvariant that came to the worlds attention over the summer because of the large number of changes to its spike proteins.

COVID-19 caused seven hospitalizations for every 100,000 people in the week ending on Dec. 9, accounting for a 3% increase, CDC data shows.

More than three-quarters of U.S. hospital beds are currently in use, which is largely in line with trends over the past three years since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the CDC warns that rising respiratory virus hospitalizations could strain health care resources in the coming weeks.

Overall, COVID-19 data shows weekly hospitalizations have been trending down in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, flu hospitalizations are rising but remain steady compared with recent weeks, according to CDC data. Flu-like activity is very high in five states and high in 15 states.

CNN Healths Brenda Goodman contributed to this report.

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COVID variant JN.1 now the leading cause of infections in the US - WBAL TV Baltimore

he World Health OrganiZation has classified the SARS-CoV-2 sub-variant JN.1 as a separate variant of interest (VOI) from its parent lineage BA.2.86, due to its rapidly increasing spread. This new variant was recently found in Kerala. In this episode of businesslines News Explained, Anjana PV and Jyothi Datta discuss the emergence of the JN.1 variant, the potential implications of this new variant, its origins, and the ongoing surge in Covid-19 cases.

Jyothi explains that the JN.1 variant is a sub-variant of the SARS-CoV-2, which initially caused the pandemic. The variant is considered a part of a lineage that includes well-known variants like omicron. Currently, health authorities such as the Union Health Ministry of India, WHO, and CDC suggest that there is no significant increase in public health risk from the variant based on available evidence.

The classification of JN.1 as a variant of interest rather than as part of a larger family of variants is highlighted in this podcast. This change in classification is attributed to a spike in cases linked to the JN.1 variant. The discussion moves on to the situation in India, where the first case of the JN.1 variant was detected in Kerala.

Jyothi emphasises the need for surveillance and precautionary measures in response to the detection of the variant in India, despite the absence of a call for panic. She also states that current vaccines are seen to protect against severe disease and death, and there is no widespread call for booster shots at the moment. However, she acknowledges that vulnerable populations, such as those with weakened immune systems, may need to consult their doctors regarding booster shots.

The podcast also dives into the possibility of future variants and the importance of continuing basic public health measures. Jyothi emphasises the need for common sense in navigating the upcoming festive season, advocating for handwashing, mask-wearing, and other preventive measures.

Tune in to know more about the JN.1 Variant.

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Published on December 21, 2023

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What is JN.1? Here's all you need to know about the new Coronavirus variant - BusinessLine