These are the symptoms of the new COVID-19 variant, some of which have not been previously reported

Winter has arrived in the northern hemisphere, filled with respiratory viruses. influenza Avirus that causes COVID-19 And respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) They have become another feature at many Christmas dinners and there is a call to raise awareness among people with symptoms to stay at home. In the case of COVID-19, its rapid spread is associated with the emergence new optioncall JN.1. It doesn’t seem more serious, but it is quite serious. more contagious.

This is because it has a unique mutation in its S protein. This is what is used as a key to enter the cells. Vaccines and past infections generate antibodies that target this protein. However, this mutation gives him the ability evade part of this protection. This does not mean that vaccines are useless. They remain effective and reduce the severity of cases. Without them, this new variant would certainly be more serious. But it’s true that he’s pretty good at escapism.

And this is not its only feature. Although symptoms vary widely among individuals, two things have been observed about the JN.1 variant that make it significantly different from other variants of the COVID-19 virus. First, very few people experience loss of smell or taste. And the second thing that can cause sleep problems and anxiety.

Symptoms of the new variant of the COVID-19 virus

This new variant has already become the most common in countries such as USA. It is also common in the United Kingdom, whose Office for National Statistics has just published a list of its most common symptoms.

It should be noted that these symptoms refer to cases of COVID-19 infection diagnosed in month december on British territory. In all cases, the viral genome has not been sequenced, so it is impossible to know whether this is a new variant or one of the previous ones.

However, given that this is one of the most common cases, and the presence of symptoms that have not previously been recorded, it can be concluded that they are own JN.1.

The most common symptom continues to be runny nose, with 31.1% of respondents admitting to having experienced this. These are followed by cough (22.9%), headache (20.1%) and fatigue (19.6%). In addition, 15.8% reported muscle pain and 13.2% reported sore throat.

All of these symptoms have been observed with other variants of the COVID-19 virus. However there are others two symptoms which attracted the attention of the survey authors.

Anxiety and insomnia, cover letter JN.1

He 10.8% respondents reported problems with sleep and 10.5% worry or worry.

It is true that COVID-19 has been a source of concern since its emergence. However, until now it has not been reported as a symptom of the disease.

Without further tests to confirm this, we may be faced with two new symptoms. Although this should not be taken as certainty. Symptoms largely depend on characteristics of each personas well as his immunity. It makes sense that a person prone to anxiety would be more likely to suffer from it if they become infected with this new variant. In the same way, someone who usually has a sore throat will experience it more easily if get sick with COVID-19.

One thing is clear: whatever the symptoms, if there is even the slightest suspicion, it is necessary to take action. stop the infectionWith. It is in our hands to prevent this wave of respiratory viruses from turning into a tsunami.