Covid-19 cases rising in India: Is waning vaccine immunity a concern?
Following a spike in Covid-19 in Southeast Asia, India has also seen fresh cases of Covid-19 in recent weeks, with most cases being reported from Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. However, most of the cases are mild and not associated with severity or mortality.
'So far cases have been sporadic. The JN.1 sub-variant of the virus, which is believed to be a part of the surge in Asia, is already present in India. It is a descendant of the BA.2.86, also known as 'Pirola' strain, belonging to the Omicron lineage. This strain can evade existing immunity and is more transmissible. But it has so far not differed much from the symptoms associated with Omicron,' says Dr Jatin Ahuja, infectious disease specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi.
What is JN.1 all about?
JN.1 is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant. The virus has had around 30 mutations. That does not mean it is becoming more dangerous but it is looking for ways to evade our immune systems. The changes are in the surface receptors, the spike protein (the part of the virus that enters our cells). These trick the immune system, making the virus more easily transmissible.
Do we need to worry because the immunity acquired from vaccination is waning and we do not have a vaccine that factors in JN.1?
More than vaccination, we went through the Omicron wave not too long ago. This can still trigger both memory T cells and memory B cells, which upon encountering the virus or its similar variant again, can fight it and limit disease severity. Memory T cells can recognize multiple parts of the virus, including those in the Omicron variant, according to a study published in the journal PLoS Pathogens. Memory B cells produce antibodies that can neutralize the Omicron variant.
Are there distinctive signs and symptoms?
No, what we are seeing are sore throat, cough and fever, all akin to symptoms of flu-like illnesses. Some may have nausea, some conjunctivitis like in earlier waves. Just rest, hydrating yourself, self-isolation and antivirals should help you settle down.
Can JN.1 lead to complications?
There are chances in those living with co-morbidities or the immuno-compromised. People with uncontrolled diabetes, chronic kidney disease, HIV and transplant patients need to be cautious. The elderly, pregnant women and children are vulnerable to it.
Do we need another round of vaccinations?
No. The older vaccines were developed for ancestral strains only. Besides they were made from a weakened or inactivated virus. Now you need mRNA vaccines, like Gemcovac-19, which use lab-made mRNA to create a protein, or a piece of it, to trigger an immune response. Unfortunately, this vaccine is not readily available.
The new vaccine can be stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, compared to other mRNA vaccines that require sub-zero temperatures. The mRNA technology works best for preventive vaccines because they can be tweaked for emerging variants.
For other preventive measures, go back to the drill. Wear a mask in crowded and polluted places, practise hand hygiene and stay away from close contact with the infected.
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