Collagen- Its benefits and natural sources in food

 

Understanding the Emerging COVID-19 Variant

 

The LN1 (JN.1) variant of SARS-CoV-2, a descendant of the Omicron BA.2.86 lineage has

recently contributed to a resurgence of cases in parts of Asia, including India. First identified

in Luxembourg in August 2023. detected in over 40 countries and is currently classified by

the World Health Organization (WHO) as a "variant of interest."

 

Severity:

 

The severity of the LN1 (JN.1) COVID-19 variant remains comparable to previous Omicron

subvariants, with most infections being mild to moderate. Current clinical data show no

evidence of increased virulence or hospitalization rates in the general population. Vulnerable

groups—such as the elderly, immunocompromised, and those with chronic illnesses—may

still be at risk for complications, including pneumonia or respiratory distress. Clinicians

should monitor vulnerable patients closely and initiate early antiviral therapy where

appropriate to prevent complications.

 

What are the Symptoms?

 

The LN1 (JN.1) COVID-19 strain causes Upper respiratory tract infection. Most of these

infections are mild. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 14 days, consistent with other

SARS-CoV-2 variants. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

 

Pyrexia: A body temperature >38°C is common, reflecting systemic inflammatory

            response. It typically lasts 2–3 days in mild cases.

 

Non-Productive Dry Cough: Caused by inflammation of the upper airway mucosa,

particularly the trachea and bronchi. It is reported in approximately 65–70% of

symptomatic cases.

 

Pharyngitis/Nasopharyngitis: Inflammation of the pharynx is a common early

symptoms. Occurring in over 60% of cases, symptoms include odynophagia, mild

erythema, and postnasal drip, often without exudate or bacterial superinfection.

 

Asthenia: Asthenia, or generalized fatigue, is a prevalent symptom in LN1 (JN.1)

infections, affecting approximately 60–70% of patients. It reflects systemic immune

activation and cytokine-mediated response. Clinically, patients report decreased

physical and mental energy, even in mild cases.

 

Headache: It is typically bilateral and pressure-like. Unlike migraine, photophobia

and aura are rare. It may co-occur with fever, myalgia, and upper respiratory tract.

 

Rhinorrhea/Nasal Congestion: It results from inflammation and edema of the nasal

mucosa, causing obstruction of airflow. The symptom reflects upper respiratory tract

involvement and contributes to impaired olfaction and patient discomfort.

 

Myalgia and Arthralgia: It results from systemic inflammatory responses and

cytokine release, particularly interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Patients

typically report diffuse, bilateral muscle aches that can affect mobility and contribute

to fatigue during the acute phase of infection.

 

High-Risk Groups for Severe LN1 (JN.1) Infection:

 

Elderly Patients (>65 years): This is due to immunosenescence, reduced

mucociliary clearance, and comorbidities. Age-related decline in T-cell and B-cell

function impairs viral response. There is a higher chance of acute respiratory distress

syndrome (ARDS) and hospitalization.

 

Immunocompromised Individuals: Includes patients with HIV/AIDS, organ

transplant recipients, or those on immunosuppressive therapy. Impaired cellular and

humoral immunity delays viral clearance, increasing the risk of prolonged infection,

viral persistence, and complications.

Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Impaired mucociliary function, chronic airway

inflammation, and reduced pulmonary reserve increase the susceptibility to

viral-induced bronchospasm, which may progress to acute respiratory distress

syndrome (ARDS) if not treated on time.

 

Cardiovascular Disease: Patients with hypertension, coronary artery disease, or

heart failure have higher rates of hospitalization and mortality due endothelial

dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and coagulopathy. It increases chances of

thrombotic events, myocardial injury, and arrhythmias.

 

Diabetes Mellitus: Hyperglycemia impairs neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and

cytokine production, weakening immune response resulting in hospitalization.

Obesity: Individuals with BMI ≥30 are at higher risk for severe LN1 (JN.1) outcomes

due to chronic low-grade inflammation, impaired ventilatory mechanics, and altered

immune response.

 

Pregnant Women: Pregnant women are at a great risk due to immunological

modulation, reduced lung capacity, and increased oxygen demand. The risk of

complications like viral pneumonia, preterm birth, and ICU admission increases in the

third trimester resulting in increased maternal morbidity.

 

Management and Treatment

 

Supportive Care: Most of these cases are mild to moderate and can be managed

with antipyretics (e.g., paracetamol), hydration, and rest. Symptomatic treatment

includes antitussives for dry cough, saline nasal sprays, and steam inhalation if there

is nasal congestion. Oxygen saturation (SpO₂) can be monitored at home

periodically.

 

Antiviral Therapy: High-risk or moderate-to-severe cases may benefit from antiviral

therapy if initiated within 5 days of onset of symptoms. Remdesivir is reserved for

hospitalized patients with hypoxia or radiographic evidence of pneumonia.

 

Immunomodulatory Agents: In patients with cytokine storm or progressive

respiratory failure, corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone) and IL-6 inhibitors like

tocilizumab are used following standard COVID-19 protocols.

 

Monitoring and Escalation: Patients on high-risk should be monitored closely for

signs of respiratory distress or multi-organ involvement. Oxygen saturation should be

maintained for them. Escalation to hospital care is indicated if SpO₂ <94%, persistent

fever, or altered mental status develops.

 

Preventive Measures Recommended by the Health Authorities:

 

Vaccination: Updated bivalent mRNA vaccines enhance neutralizing antibody

titers and T-cell responses, reducing severe disease and hospitalization. Booster

doses are especially recommended for high-risk groups.

 

Mask Usage: N95 masks have more filtration efficiency (>95%) compared to

normal surgical masks. The consistent use of a properly fitted in crowded or

Healthcare settings reduce viral exposure and community spread.

 

Hand Hygiene: Encourage regular handwashing with soap or alcohol-based

sanitizers to minimize fomite transmission. Use of alcohol-based hand rubs with

≥60% ethanol or thorough soap-and-water washing for 20 seconds effectively

inactivates the virus.

 

Isolation and Testing: Advise prompt RT-PCR or rapid antigen testing for

symptomatic individuals. Positive cases should be isolated for at least 5 days to

reduce viral transmission. Isolation limits community spread, especially during

peak viral shedding.

 

Environmental Controls: Emphasize improved ventilation and air filtration in

indoor spaces to lower viral load and transmission risk. Use of HEPA filters and

increasing fresh air exchange lowers aerosol concentration. Maintaining relative

humidity between 40–60% can reduce viral stability.

 

Conclusion:

 

LN1 (JN.1) presents increased transmissibility with mild-moderate severity. Clinical

monitoring, especially in high-risk groups, alongside vaccination, early antiviral therapy,

and strict preventive measures, remain essential in preventing hospitalizations and

reducing mortality. Ongoing genomic surveillance and research are critical to adapt

strategies and reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this evolving SARS-CoV-2

variant.

Dr. Neeraj Agarwal

DNAHOMEOPATHY
BHMS(Nhmc), Ortho. Rehab. (Apollo), MD (Hom)
Sr. Homoeopathic Physician
Ph- 9811244606, 9910015246, 9211483100