Is COVID-19 making a comeback in India? Experts weigh in; know how different JN.1 variant is from older subvariants
Is COVID-19 back? After over five long years of wreaking havoc across the globe, another variant, JN.1 of COVID-19, is gripping the South-Asian countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and Thailand. However, India is no exception, as 164 fresh cases of COVID-19 have been reported. This has left people concerned about the dangers of the new subvariant.
The surge in cases is largely attributed to the spread of new Omicron subvariants, including JN.1 and its associated descendants, leading to increased vigilance among health authorities. The rise in cases is linked to waning immunity, with a periodic wave that is anticipated.
After Indian actress Shilpa Shirodkar revealed that she tested positive for COVID-19 on her Instagram on Monday, the concerns in India spiked even more. However, on May 19, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported that currently there are 93 active COVID-19 cases in India, and the country has not observed a significant rise domestically. But should India be concerned?
How different is the JN.1 strain from earlier strains of COVID-19?
JN.1 is a descendant of the Omicron BA.2.86 lineage, which was identified in August 2023. Additionally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) labelled it as a Variant of Interest in 2023. 'This variant doesn't cause any fatal complications, unlike other variants of COVID-19, such as breathlessness,' says Dr Harish Chafle, Senior Consultant Intensivist, Chest Physician, Bronchoscopist and sleep disorders specialist, Gleneagles Hospital Parel, Mumbai.
The JN.1 variant, a sublineage of Omicron, is currently contributing to a rise in COVID-19 cases across parts of Asia, including India. While, according to Dr. Sheela Chakravarthy, Director - Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, 'Experts add that the variants being seen in India are not more virulent than before. Yet, the authorities are keeping a watchful eye on the situation and are bracing for a probable increase in cases of flu-like symptoms in the coming months from variants LF.7 and NB.1.8, which are derivatives of JN.1.'
Should India be concerned amid the surge in the JN.1 strain of COVID-19?
The current surge in the number of COVID-19 cases has become a growing matter of concern across India. According to a News18 report, doctors in Mumbai have noted a slight uptick in mild infections, particularly among young individuals. However, there is no indication of a fresh wave so far. 'India does not appear to be worried much about the JN.1 variant of COVID-19 yet. The Health Ministry states that the COVID-19 situation in India is in check, with just 257 active cases as of May 19, largely mild and not severe enough to need hospitalisation,' adds Dr. Chakravarthy.
Symptoms of JN.1 variant of COVID-19:
Dr. Chafle lists the symptoms of the JN.1 variant and says, 'The symptoms that one can suffer from are cough, cold, runny nose, fever, gastrointestinal trouble, loss of smell and taste, fatigue, and headache.'
'So, don't panic and ensure to take all the necessary precautions recommended by the expert. Even though the variant is mild, it is imperative to take caution,' he adds.
Covid-19 Update: India reports 164 new cases this week—69 in Kerala, 44 in Maharashtra, 34 in Tamil Nadu. Total active cases: 257 . All cases are mild, but LF.7 & NB.1.8 subvariants are under watch. Stay safe: mask up, wash hands, and consult a doctor if symptoms persist.… https://t.co/uMyBJ3o3W5
Tips to prevent COVID-19 infection
To prevent COVID-19 infection, follow the protocol mentioned below:
Mask up
Sanitise your hands
Mainatian social distancing
Make sure to get vaccinated
Take a booster dose
Don't skip vaccination, fearing the side effects.
Pay attention to your well-being
Isolate yourself from others if you have symptoms of COVID-19
Avoid being in crowded places and around sick people
Maintain good personal hygiene
Be attentive when it comes to your health
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
16 minutes ago
- Hans India
COVID Testing Made Compulsory For Political Leaders Before Prime Minister's Meeting
Health protocols have been strictly enforced for high-level political gatherings as RT-PCR testing becomes mandatory for ministers and party officials before meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This precautionary measure comes as India's active COVID-19 cases surpassed the 7,000 threshold, prompting enhanced safety measures at the highest levels of government. Approximately 70 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) representatives from Delhi, including the Chief Minister, all seven Members of Parliament, and various Members of Legislative Assembly, must complete RT-PCR testing before their scheduled evening meeting with the Prime Minister at his official residence. The gathering, planned for 7:30 PM, celebrates the party's recent success in Delhi's Assembly elections, with PM Modi hosting a dinner for state party leadership. The implementation of these testing protocols reflects growing concerns about the current wave of infections across the country. According to the Union Health Ministry's Wednesday update, India recorded 306 new cases and six fatalities within a 24-hour period. The deaths were distributed across Kerala (3), Karnataka (2), and Maharashtra (1). Kerala continues to dominate infection statistics, reporting 170 new cases in a single day and maintaining the highest number of active cases nationwide, with figures exceeding 2,000. Gujarat follows with 114 fresh infections and 1,223 active cases, while Karnataka logged 100 new cases during the same timeframe. Delhi's situation shows 66 additional cases in the past day, bringing the capital's total active caseload to 757 cases. The national distribution reveals Kerala leading in active infections, followed by Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi forming the top tier of affected regions. In response to the escalating situation, central authorities have initiated comprehensive mock drills nationwide to evaluate hospital readiness and infrastructure capacity. States have received directives to maintain sufficient supplies of oxygen, isolation facilities, ventilators, and critical medications. Despite the rising numbers, health officials emphasize that the majority of current cases present mild symptoms and manageable severity levels. The stringent testing requirements for political meetings demonstrate the government's commitment to preventing high-level transmission while maintaining essential governance functions during this challenging period.
Time of India
19 minutes ago
- Time of India
Coronavirus Symptoms: Covid 19 cases surge in India: New symptoms to watch out for
After a lull of a couple of years, Covid 19 cases are on the surge again in India. As of June 2025, India has seen a steady increase in Covid-19 cases. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the active case count has crossed 7,000, with 7,121 active infections reported recently. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Where are the cases spread Among the states, Kerala continues to record the highest number of cases, with over 2,200 active cases. Other states like Gujarat, Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and West Bengal are also seeing a rise in cases. The deaths reported have mostly been among the elderly, or those with pre-existing health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or respiratory problems. Why the sudden spread What is causing this sudden spread? Here's what experts say New Omicron sub-variants: This surge is mainly caused by new Omicron sub-variants such as JN.1, NB.1.8.1, LF.7, and XFC. These variants are more contagious compared to earlier strains, but are also milder. (which in essence means that while more people are contracting Covid, they are also recovering sooner) According to World Health Organization, these are "Variants Under Monitoring," meaning they are not yet a major threat, but require monitoring. Lowered immunity: Most people received the last booster dose years ago, which in essence means that vaccine efficacy has now waned. This means it is easier for people to get infected now. Reduced caution: With Covid restrictions completely eased now, and no restrictions on travel anymore, many have stopped wearing masks, avoiding crowds, or maintaining hand hygiene. Seasonal factors: The onset of monsoon and cooler weather leads to more indoor gatherings where the virus can spread quickly. Festivals, weddings, and mass gatherings also increase social contacts. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Uneven vaccination coverage: While India has vaccinated a large portion of its population, some groups, especially in rural or remote areas, are still not vaccinated. This uneven coverage can allow the virus to circulate. New Symptoms of Covid-19 While the classic symptoms of Covid-19—fever, cough, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell—are still common, doctors in India are observing some newer or less typical symptoms. These include: Severe headache : Long-lasting headaches that do not respond well to usual painkillers. This headache comes across as a throbbing one, that does not get better even after sleeping. Skin rash: Some patients report unusual rashes or skin color changes, which were less common in earlier waves. If you spot a sudden red rash, you might want to get tested. Extreme fatigue: Feeling extremely tired and weak even without much physical effort. Many people report it as "too weak to get out of bed itself." Gastrointestinal issues: Symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain sometimes appear before the respiratory symptoms. Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or chest discomfort without physical exertion is a warning sign (even if it is not Covid), needing immediate medical attention. How can you protect yourself Health experts recommend the following measures to stay safe during this new surge: Mask up in crowded places: Masks remain an effective barrier against virus transmission. Wash hands often: Wash hands frequently with soap or use sanitizer if soap is not available. Practice social distancing: Avoid close contact with people in crowded settings, or at work, school etc. Get vaccinated: The government advises targeted booster doses for high-risk groups such as the elderly, immunocompromised, and those with chronic illnesses. Keep your surroundings ventilated: Keep windows open or use fans to improve airflow and reduce virus concentration. Keep track of your health: Stay alert to new or unusual symptoms and seek medical help promptly. Avoid crowds: Especially if you or your family members are at higher risk or are immune compromised.
Time of India
23 minutes ago
- Time of India
Meet Dr Bobby Mukkamala, the first Indian-origin president of American Medical Association
Indian origin doctor Bobby Mukkamala becomes the president of the American Medical Association. He is the first Indian-American to lead the organisation. Mukkamala recently recovered from brain surgery. He calls for healthcare reforms in the US. He aims to address health disparities and physician shortages. Mukkamala also advocates for accessible and affordable care. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Who is Bobby Mukkamala? Indian origin doctor, Bobby Mukkamala , was sworn in as the 180th president of the American Medical Association AMA ). He is the first physician of Indian heritage to lead the influential had recently undergone a surgery for an 8-cm brain tumour, according to the American Medical on his journey, Mukkamala said, 'As I lay in recovery from brain surgery at the Mayo Clinic, with tubes and wires monitoring my every movement, this night — this honour — this opportunity to improve health care seemed a very distant dream.'Addressing AMA members and guests, Mukkamala called for an urgent need to reform the US healthcare system. 'There are tremendous gaps in our health care system that require our attention,' he said.'That's why continuing to fight for adequate health coverage for our patients is so important... and why fighting for a sustainable, equitable health care model is so important,' he was born to Indian immigrant doctors and completed his medical degree at the University of Michigan and residency at Loyola University in Chicago and returned to Flint to practise medicine alongside his wife, Nita Kulkarni, an obstetrician-gynaecologist. The couple have two sons, Nikhil, a biomedical engineer, and Deven, a PhD candidate in political has been a longstanding advocate within the AMA, chairing the Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force and working on evidence-based policies to combat the overdose service work includes leading the Community Foundation of Greater Flint during the water crisis, with a focus on projects that helped mitigate the impact of lead on his speech, Mukkamala credited his parents. 'I stand here tonight on the shoulders I quite literally stood on as a kid,' he said. 'Those of my parents, Apparao and Sumathi, two immigrants from India who settled in this country believing it offered them — and their future children — opportunities that simply were not possible at home.'Mukkamala also used his first speech as AMA president to highlight rising health disparities in underserved cities like Flint. 'Life expectancy in Flint is about 12 years shorter than its suburbs,' he said, adding that he and his wife have witnessed those disparities firsthand through their further said that more doctors may leave private practice because of financial burdens and a growing shortage of physicians. 'Where are our patients supposed to turn?' he asked, recounting how a patient preferred to wait six weeks for his return after surgery than seek alternative president, Mukkamala aims to continue advocating for accessible, affordable care and greater government investment in research and public health. 'Our patients deserve better. Our physicians deserve better. Our nation deserves better,' he said.
