The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified a sub-variant of the Omicron strain, named JN.1, as a "variant of interest" due to its rapid global spread. JN.1 has been detected in numerous countries, including India, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Although the current risk to the public is considered low, the WHO emphasizes that JN.1's swift transmission raises concerns. Existing vaccines are still effective in providing protection against this variant, but the WHO warns of potential increases in Covid and other respiratory infections during the winter season.

Respiratory viruses like influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and childhood pneumonia are also on the rise in the northern hemisphere. The nature of the Covid virus leads to ongoing changes, occasionally resulting in new variants. Omicron has been the dominant variant globally for some time, and the WHO is closely monitoring various Omicron-related variants, with JN.1 being a notable focus.

JN.1 is currently the fastest-growing variant in the United States, comprising 15-29% of infections, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the UK, the Health Security Agency reports that JN.1 constitutes around 7% of positive Covid tests in analyzed labs. The variant is spreading rapidly in all regions, possibly due to an additional mutation in the spike protein compared to its predecessor, the BA.2.86 variant.

The WHO's risk assessment suggests that JN.1 may contribute to an increase in Sars-Cov-2 cases, particularly as countries enter the winter season, potentially causing a surge in other viral and bacterial infections.

While there is limited evidence on JN.1's ability to evade vaccine immunity, there are currently no reports of increased severity compared to previous variants. Further studies are needed to determine the health impact, especially as data on hospital admissions for Covid has significantly reduced.

To prevent infections and severe disease, the WHO recommends measures such as wearing masks in crowded areas, practicing good respiratory hygiene, regular hand cleaning, staying updated on Covid and flu vaccinations (especially for vulnerable individuals), staying home when feeling unwell, and getting tested for Covid symptoms.