How lethal is the new covid variant JN.1? Dr Venkat Ramesh, Infectious Disease Expert explains

It was back in 2020 when we were first introduced to the dangers of Covid-19. Now, almost four years later we are still reeling under the dangers of covid. A new variant of Covid-19, the JN.1 variant is the new source of concern. From Delhi to Kerala, many states have reported an increasing number of Covid cases in the past days.

While we pick up masks and sanitise hands to stay safe, we at Editorji spoke to Dr Venkat Ramesh, Infectious Disease Physician, Apollo Hyderabad. The doctor gave us insights into what are precautions to take, whether there is a reason to panic and how lethal is this new variant.

How lethal is the JN.1 variant?

Speaking exclusively to Editorji, Dr Venkat said, "What is really of concern with any new variant is two things: one: is it more transmissible and two is it more lethal and deadly. In general, a virus that is more transmissible is going to result in increased mortality even if it does not per say increase mortality. This is because it will infect number of people and with any viral infection there will be a certain number of people who will die due to the severity of the infection."

He further added if the variant is of concern and said, "Is it a variant of concern? According to the WHO, it is still a variant of interest and not a variant of concern. Which means we still do not know how much more transmissible if at all, and how much more lethal it is, if at all. There are many unanswered questions with regards to the JN.1 variant."

Also watch: JN.1 Covid 19: As cases surge, know what precautions to take while traveling this winter season