Covid-19 JN.1 variant: Do you need booster shots to fight surge? Expert weighs in

Almost four years ago we realised the dangers of Covid-19. As we step into 2024, covid's new variant JN.1 has been circulating in India. While the first case was detected in Kerala, More than 100 JN.1 cases have been registered in India (until today) and the numbers are sharply on the rise.

The new variant of Covid-19, the JN.1 variant is a new source of concern amongst Indians. We at Editorji spoke to Dr Venkat Ramesh, Infectious Disease Physician, regarding its characteristics and transmissibility. The doctor also spoke to us about the need of a booster dose and what precuations one should take to avoid getting covid.

Is a booster dose necessary?

Speaking to us, Dr Venkat Ramesh revealed that anyone and everyone who is eligible to get a booster dose should definitely get it. He said, "What we as a society need to do, in my opinion, are two things: one is that those who are eligible for the third dose or the booster dose, or the so-called precaution dose for the vaccine and haven't taken it should do so because this is mandated by the ministry of health and welfare of India. Second those people who are in a high-risk group should engage in a covid appropriate behaviour and perhaps to a certain extent all of us. But definitely, those people who are in a high-risk group or more prone to severe covid should mask up, avoid crowded places, avoid areas with poor ventilation, indoor environments and so on."

Make sure to use mask and sanitise your hands regularly.

Also watch: Covid-19 JN.1 variant: Symptoms and how to distinguish from regular cold