WHO has classified the new subvariant of the Omicron variant known as JN.1 as a "variant of interest" and said current evidence shows the risk to public health was low from the strain but may potentially cause an increase in Covid cases, especially in countries that are entering the winter season.

What are the current statistics of JN.1?

Fortunately, severity and clinical considerations are currently low as there are no reports of elevated disease severity associated with this variant. However, those who have comorbidities such as uncontrolled diabetes and individuals above 60 years old are at higher risk and should consider discussing the need for a booster vaccination with their physician.

As of 16 December 2023, the countries reporting the largest proportion of JN.1 sequences are France, the United States of America, Singapore, Canada, the United Kingdom, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Sweden. India has also seen a surge in cases in December. Travel advisory to be followed to prevent the risk of infection, as the variant is fast-growing across all WHO regions and has become the most prevalent variant in some countries.

Does vaccination help against it?

There is still limited evidence on how capable JN.1 is of getting around the immunity offered by vaccines, the WHO says. Although booster vaccinations provide cross-reactivity to this variant, it is still important to be aware of the co-circulating pathogens that may exacerbate the respiratory disease burden.

How does it affect Diabetics?

An important step in prevention would be to vaccinate the high-risk group comprising the elderly, people with malignancies, people on immunosuppressive medications, uncontrolled diabetes, and patients with chronic liver and kidney disease. Uncontrolled diabetics should pay attention to their blood sugar levels and avoid any major spikes.

What precautions are needed?

Regardless of the variant, all SARS-CoV-2 viruses spread the same way. So it’s important to protect yourself and others by staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, improving ventilation, and staying home when you’re sick. 

To prevent infections and severe disease, the WHO advises:

• Wear a mask in crowded, enclosed areas
• Cover up coughs and sneezes
• Clean your hands regularly
• Stay up to date with COVID and flu vaccinations, especially if vulnerable 
• Stay home if ill 
• Get tested if you have symptoms

In conclusion, while the JN.1 variant presents a new challenge, adherence to established preventive measures and staying informed about vaccination recommendations remain key components in the ongoing fight against COVID-19.