SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 variant symptoms
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JN.1 Variant Symptoms and Clinical Profile
The SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 variant, a descendant of the Omicron BA.2.86 lineage, has rapidly become the dominant strain in many regions, including India and the United States, due to its high transmissibility and ability to evade immune responses 1210. Despite its widespread prevalence, the clinical symptoms associated with JN.1 remain largely similar to those seen with previous Omicron subvariants.
Common Symptoms of JN.1 Infection
Most individuals infected with the JN.1 variant experience mild symptoms. The most frequently reported symptoms include:
- Cold-like symptoms (runny nose, nasal congestion): 67%
- Fever: 56%
- Cough: 41%
- Headache: 16%
These findings are based on a clinical study of 279 JN.1 cases in Maharashtra, India, where 95% of cases were symptomatic but mild in nature . The symptom profile does not differ significantly from earlier Omicron variants, and there is no evidence of increased severity with JN.1 157.
Hospitalization and Severity
A small proportion of JN.1 cases required hospitalization or institutional quarantine (about 13%), with most hospitalized patients receiving conservative treatment. Only a minority needed supplemental oxygen therapy. The overall recovery rate was high (98.6%), and the mortality rate was low (1.4%) . Studies from other regions also indicate that JN.1 is associated with a lower risk of severe illness and hospitalization compared to previous variants like EG.5 . This trend suggests that, while JN.1 spreads efficiently, it does not cause more severe disease than its predecessors 37.
Impact of Vaccination and Immunity
Most JN.1 cases occurred in individuals who had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and severe outcomes were rare among vaccinated individuals . However, JN.1 has shown a notable ability to evade neutralizing antibodies, especially in those who have not received updated booster vaccines or have only experienced earlier Omicron infections 68. Despite this immune evasion, the variant does not appear to cause more severe disease, possibly due to the retention of certain immune functions and the effectiveness of antiviral treatments 78.
Genomic and Epidemiological Insights
JN.1’s rapid spread is attributed to a unique mutation (L455S) in its spike protein, which allows it to evade a significant portion of neutralizing antibodies generated by previous infections or vaccinations 289. This mutation has contributed to its dominance in wastewater and clinical samples across South and Southeast Asia and the United States 410. Despite these changes, the clinical impact remains similar to previous Omicron subvariants, with no increase in disease severity 157.
Conclusion
The SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 variant is highly transmissible and has become the predominant strain in several regions. Its symptoms are mostly mild and resemble those of earlier Omicron variants, with cold-like symptoms, fever, and cough being most common. Hospitalization and severe outcomes are rare, especially among vaccinated individuals. While JN.1 demonstrates significant immune evasion, it does not appear to cause more severe disease, underscoring the importance of ongoing surveillance and updated vaccination strategies 137810.
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