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The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Misinformation a bigger threat than COVID-19 uptick
The reported cases of COVID-19 in India have risen from less than a few a day to a few 100 a day since mid-May 2025. Wastewater surveillance data from Indian cities have also reported an increased SARS-CoV-2 viral load. All this has resulted in heightened media and public attention because of the COVID-19 experience in 2020-21. A similar uptick in COVID-19 cases has also been reported from some other countries and regions of the world which includes Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and South Korea. Is there a new variant circulating? Are there reasons to worry? The current uptick in cases is being linked to the most common SARS-CoV-2 variant currently circulating, JN.1, a descendent of the Omicron variant (BA.1.529). Omicron has been the last variant of concern of SARS-CoV-2, first reported in November 2021. Since then, even though a few sub-variants or sub-lineages of Omicron have emerged, there has not been any new variant of concern, in any part of the world. The current dominant variant, JN.1 (also called Pirola) is not new and was first reported in August 2023 in Luxembourg and has been reported from India since November-December 2023. A few sub-lineages of JN.1, such as LF.7 and NB.1.8, have also been reported. But till now, there have not been any major clinical differences with the parent variant. Epidemiological facts Why this uptick? The answer lies in three epidemiological facts. First, any new virus stays for long once it enters the population, possibly forever. SARS-CoV-2 is omnipresent in India and other countries, even when no new infections are being reported. In September 2020, Moriyama M. and colleagues discussed in the scientific journal, Annual Review of Virology, that the seasonality of respiratory viruses has been recognised for thousands of years, and that the annual epidemics of the common cold and influenza disease are the most known proof. The contributing factors for seasonality are environmental parameters such as temperature and humidity, human behaviour and crowding, and changes in viral genes to alter virus stability and transmission rates. SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory virus and is likely to have a seasonal pattern. It is just that, till now, the pattern in a rise in COVID-19 has not been established. Though some data from Singapore indicate that COVID-19 cases rise every six to nine months, the seasonality may vary from one country to another. In India, after the Omicron wave in January 2022, there were upticks in COVID-19 cases in early 2023 (due to the Omicron Sub-lineage XBB.1.16), then in December 2023 and January 2024, and then in July-August 2024. There is a fresh uptick now, from May 2025. Therefore, a seasonal pattern of COVID-19 surge, every eight to 10 months might be an emerging pattern for India. It is worthwhile to note that the number of reported cases in most seasonal surges has been relatively small and clinical disease has become mild to milder. Also read | Wastewater surveillance shows increasing COVID-19 viral load Second, SARS-CoV-2 is a type of RNA virus, which is known to have more frequent mutations and genetic changes than other types of viruses. Though the key variant continues to be JN.1, there have been some new sub-lineages, which might be behind the uptick. Third, the uptick in COVID-19 cases in India is real but also due to enhanced COVID-19 testing and surveillance, following reports of COVID-19 cases in neighbouring countries. Increased testing means more people are being tested and, thus, detection. So if the Indian population has 'hybrid immunity' from natural infection and through vaccines, and if this is not a new variant, why is there still an uptick? The answer is neither natural infection nor vaccine-induced protects from fresh infection. Immunity does protect from moderate to severe diseases and deaths. The cases or infections are a mere indicator that a person carries SARS-CoV-2 in their nose and throat. However, immune protection will ensure that people do not get sick or have severe illness. As of now, no serious cases of illness are being reported. Numbers in perspective The current uptick seems to be getting disproportionately high attention. Even with the spike, 200 to 300 new COVID-19 cases a day in India translates to one new infection for every 45 lakh to 70 lakh population. We are not hearing about hospitalisations due to COVID-19 and the deaths being attributed are one or two in a day. Let us put these numbers in perspective. The daily infections due to other illnesses are in thousands and lakhs every day. For example, every day, 8,000 new cases of tuberculosis (TB) are being reported in India. If we think in terms of deaths, every day, nearly 30,000 people in India die due to old age and other health conditions. Every day, an estimated 900 people die due to TB, a preventable and treatable health condition; another 390 due to influenza virus illness and another 310 deaths due to the relatively unheard but widely prevalent vaccine preventable Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) disease. Air pollution and respiratory illnesses cause manifold illnesses and deaths. In this backdrop, COVID-19 is just another illness that is much less severe than other health issues which need greater priority. One reason why it is getting attention is because of the continuous use of old but not so relevant tracking parameters such as 'active cases', which give a falsely high number of COVID-19 cases. The approach of 'active cases' was acceptable early in the COVID-19 pandemic, when infectiousness lasted one to two weeks as the virus was novel and there was no immunity against virus in people. Therefore, after the infection, the immune system needed one to two weeks to get activated and clear the virus, prolonging the process. However, five years since then, most individuals have immunity from either vaccines or natural infections to mount a quick and effective defence and thus, be non-infectious in a day or two as well. Therefore, counting everyone who tested positive as an active case does not make sense. On vaccination There is no need for an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose. In the first three years of COVID-19 (2020-22), the Indian population (all age groups) had been exposed to various variants of SARS-CoV-2 including Omicron. Alongside this, nearly all adults received two or more shots of COVID-19 vaccines. Therefore, the population in our country has 'hybrid immunity' against SARS-CoV-2. Most people were exposed to the Omicron variant in December 2022 and January 2023. And JN.1, the circulating dominant variant, is from the Omicron family. It is likely that antibody levels would have gone down and there is waning immunity. Thus some immune escape to new sub-variants is possible. However, the human immune system has specialised cells called 'memory cells' which are largely undetectable but are programmed to respond to future infections and are likely to protect against future severe illness. There is no new variant of concern to believe immune escape, as of now. Scientifically, there is no need and thus no recommendation for additional shots of COVID-19 vaccine for the Indian population. COVID-19 is not a concern and the prevention and the treatment of any pre-existing health condition is much more effective than 'additional COVID-19' shots. Thus, those with high risk should get vaccinated with flu and other age-appropriate recommended vaccines to prevent any comorbidity. The current uptick in COVID-19 in Asia and India seems to follow an emerging seasonal pattern of SARS-CoV-2. There does not seem to be any reason for worry. All that is needed is for the government to keep a watch and monitor the trends. The Infodemic and misinformation could be a bigger threat than a minor uptick in COVID-19 cases. For India, for both government and citizens, there needs to be a balanced approach — neither underestimating the threat nor spreading panic. One important tool in this is not to spread unverified messages and rumours. There is a need for a rational, epidemiological and balanced approach in reporting and responding to the current and future seasonal spikes in COVID-19. If we continue to treat every spike as an impending 'wave' and as a 'false alarm', it will strain the health system and workforce, resulting in response fatigue and undermining credibility. Responses to COVID-19 surges must be rational, proportionate and reflective of epidemiological reality. Current evidence is that from now, COVID-19 could be treated like any other mild respiratory illness. Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya is a practising physician and a leading epidemiologist and global health expert, who has nearly 17 years of professional work experience with the World Health Organization and other UN agencies
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
COVID-19 resurgence: Could stomach ache be a symptom? Experts warn of gastrointestinal issues linked to JN.1 variant
COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong and even China. However, India has also been seeing a COVID-19 resurgence for the past week. On May 27, Tuesday, the total number of Covid cases has reached the mark of 1010; however, according to experts, these are mild cases with subtle symptoms; hence, there is nothing to panic about. Currently, the rise in cases is cited to new variants called NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 variants, which are under observation by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and so far there is no reason for concern that has been flagged yet. What is the JN.1 variant of COVID-19? JN.1 is a subvariant of Omicron that evolves from the BA.2.86 variant and is also known as Pirola. This variant was first identified in Luxembourg in 2023, and since then it has spread to other parts of the world, and now India. ⚠️ BREAKING: China 🇨🇳 Hit by New COVID Surge Driven by Omicron XDV and NB.1.8.1 Variants Hospitals Overwhelmed, Beijing Warns of Delayed Response Common symptoms of JN.1 Some symptoms of JN.1 are similar to earlier variants of Omicron, and some include: Fever or chills Dry cough Sore throat Fatigue Headache Runny or blocked nose Muscle aches Shortness of breath Gastrointestinal issues are a symptom of JN. 1 variant of COVID-19? The above-mentioned symptoms usually appear 2 to 14 days after the exposure and are often mild. 'The JN.1 variant of COVID-19 has shown a different set of symptoms compared to earlier strains, with gastrointestinal (GI) issues being more commonly reported. Unlike the original variants that primarily caused respiratory symptoms like cough, fever, and breathlessness, JN.1 has been linked to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea in some patients,' warns Dr. Raosaheb Rathod, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist & Therapeutic Endoscopist, Medicover Hospitals, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. The JN.1 variant of COVID-19 is characterised by gastrointestinal problems as a symptom, something which was not entirely new but has become more common and pronounced than with previous variants. 'This can be due to how the virus has evolved to affect different systems of the body,' Dr Rathod said. How to differentiate between gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID-19 and stomach infection? The JN.1 variant appears to have a stronger link with the gastrointestinal tract, possibly due to changes in the way it binds to receptors in the gut lining. According to Dr. Rathod, 'It may be causing inflammation in the digestive system. While these symptoms are generally mild, they can be confusing and easily mistaken for common stomach infections.' 'Remember, the monsoon has begun now, and stomach infections are common during the monsoon. So, making awareness and timely testing important for accurate diagnosis and care. It is necessary to consult the doctor and go for COVID-19 testing in case of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea that persist for a day or two,' he adds. Risk factors for gastrointestinal discomfort and COVID-19 Although the GI symptoms existed in previous COVID-19 strains as well, they were less frequent and mostly mild in nature. However, these symptoms appear to be more noticeable and more common in people with JN.1. 'The precise explanation for this change is probably because mutations in the virus have occurred, more so in the spike protein, enabling the virus to impact the body differently,' says Dr Pranav Honnavara Srinivasan, consultant surgical gastroenterologist, Fortis Hospitals Nagarbhavi. The problems presented are mild gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, reduced appetite, loose stools or mild abdominal pain. 'Risk factors for serious illness include being old, having comorbidities, or being immunocompromised. Immunisation, boosters, and other measures such as masking and hygiene can reduce risks,' adds Dr. Srinivasan.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Covid 19 cases surge in India; two unique symptoms of new variant JN.1 which are different from previous other strains
Covid 19 is unfortunately back. Yes, after wreaking havoc in the world from 2019-2022, the virus is seeing a gradual return to Asia with Singapore and Hong Kong recording the maximum number of cases in the last few weeks. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Closer home, the country has been seeing a rise in variant NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 variants, detected recently in different parts of the country. While the disease is still endemic, and (for now) poses no immediate threat according to the government, what is this new variant, and what makes it different from the rest? While it shares many features with previous Omicron sub variants, there are two notable symptoms that stand out as different in JN.1 infections. Let's dig deeper... What is the JN.1 COVID-19 Variant? JN.1 is actually a subvariant of the Omicron, evolving from the BA.2.86 variant, also known as Pirola. It was first identified in Luxembourg in 2023 and since has gradually spread to other parts of the world, and now India. JN.1 is said to be more transmissible than previous variants due to specific mutations in its spike protein, which helps it binds to humans easily. However, as of now, there is no data to prove that it causes any serious illness. Common Symptoms of JN.1 Most symptoms of JN.1 are similar to other Omicron variants and include: Fever or chills Dry cough Sore throat Fatigue Headache Runny or blocked nose Muscle aches Shortness of breath (in severe cases) These symptoms usually appear 2 to 14 days after exposure and are often mild, with patients recovering quickly at home only. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The two different symptoms While many symptoms overlap with previous COVID-19 strains, two symptoms have been reported more frequently or distinctly in JN.1 infections: Persistent Low-Grade fever Unlike earlier variants where high fever with sweating and chills was common, JN.1 infections often cause a persistent low-grade fever, typically between 37.6°C and 38.1°C.(99.6-100.5°F) This fever does not show regular symptoms like rapid breathing, or warm to the touch. Instead, it alters the body's temperature regulation, known as hyperthermia. People may feel slightly warm for several days without the intense fever spikes seen in previous COVID waves. This symptom can be easily overlooked or mistaken for mild tiredness or other minor illnesses. The continuous mild fever signals the body is fighting the virus but in a less aggressive way than before. Recognizing this can prompt early testing and isolation to prevent spread to others. Gastrointestinal issues Another symptom that sets JN.1 apart is the increased frequency of digestive issues such as nausea, loss of appetite, stomach discomfort, and diarrhea. While gastrointestinal symptoms were present in earlier COVID-19 variants as well, they were less common and often mild. With JN.1, these symptoms seem to be more prominent and affect a larger number of patients. According to doctors, this change may be due to the virus's altered behavior in the body or its interaction with the gut's immune system. Digestive symptoms can sometimes appear alongside or even before respiratory symptoms like cough and sore throat, which is different from earlier strains. On the other hand major respiratory issues have not been reported in this strain. Why the difference The unique symptoms of JN.1 arise from its genetic mutations, especially in the spike protein. These mutations make the virus more contagious by its quick ability to bind to human cells. However, they do not seem to increase the severity of illness. Instead, the virus causes a different pattern of symptoms, reflecting subtle changes in how it affects the body. What Should You Do If You Experience These Symptoms? If you notice a mild, continuous fever without sweating or chills, or if you develop nausea, loss of appetite, or stomach discomfort along with respiratory symptoms, it is wise to: Get tested for COVID-19 to confirm infection, especially if you have been exposed to someone with the virus or have recently traveled. Self-isolate to avoid spreading the virus to others. Stay hydrated and rest well. Monitor symptoms carefully, and seek medical help if you experience breathing difficulties. Keep your vaccinations up to date, including boosters, as they still remain your best bet against severe illness. Where Are These Variants Found in India? NB.1.8.1: First detected in Tamil Nadu in April 2025. LF.7: Four cases confirmed in Gujarat in May 2025. Other states reporting active COVID-19 cases linked to these or other variants include Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi, and several northeastern states. Kerala currently has the highest number of cases, followed by Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. The rise, while noticeable, is not yet worrisome. Impact on Vaccines and Treatments Current vaccines and treatments remain effective against these new variants. Health authorities emphasize the importance of vaccination and boosters to maintain protection. There is no indication that NB.1.8.1 or LF.7 significantly evade immunity from vaccines or past infections, unlike some earlier variants that partially escaped immune responses. Stay safe, but don't panic Despite its unique symptoms, JN.1 is not more dangerous in terms of severity but spreads more easily. Therefore, preventive steps remain key to controlling its impact: Wearing masks in crowded or enclosed spaces. Practicing good hand hygiene. Avoiding close contact with sick individuals. Following public health advice on vaccination and boosters.
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First Post
26-05-2025
- Health
- First Post
Kerala leads India's Covid-19 surge with 430 active cases
Kerala has reported the highest number of active Covid-19 cases in India, with 430 people currently infected. read more Kerala has reported the highest number of active Covid-19 cases in the country, with 430 people currently infected, the central government data showed on Monday. According to the data provided by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the southern state recorded 335 new cases since May 19. Kerala also reported the highest number of recoveries, with 105 people discharged since May 19. Two Covid-related deaths were recorded in the state during the same period. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There were no details from the state government regarding the Covid cases on Monday. India currently has a total of 1,010 active Covid-19 cases, the data showed. Health experts say India could see a fresh wave of Covid-19 due to waning immunity among the public. The JN.1 variant reported in parts of 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. The JN.1 strain can evade immunity and is more transmissible than other Omicron variants. With inputs from agencies
Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Delhi reports 23 Covid cases; health minister and doctors say no need to panic
Delhi has reported 23 active cases of Covid-19 as of May 22, confirmed Health Minister Dr Pankaj Singh on Friday. Singh said all patients are stable. 'Two to three patients are admitted to private hospitals while the others are being monitored… We will see if these patients are from Delhi or from outside Delhi. There is no need to panic because the strain is similar to influenza,' he said. The minister said hospitals are prepared to tackle any surge in cases. 'We have had a conversation with medical superintendents regarding preparations. Eight of our senior officials are visiting hospitals daily. Our hospitals are prepared with oxygen and oximeters,' he said. According to health department officials, an advisory will also be issued soon. The cases in Delhi, and other parts of the country, come after a spike was reported in Asian countries. According to reports, the spread of Omicron-related variants has led to the rise. The sub-lineages of the JN.1 variant (LF.7 and NB1.8) have been confirmed by health authorities in these countries. JN.1 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 so far, it does not differ much from symptoms associated with Omicron,' said Dr Jatin Ahuja, infectious disease specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi. India has seen fresh cases of Covid-19 in recent weeks, with most cases being reported from Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. However, most cases are mild and not associated with severity or mortality. According to Dr Rommel Tickoo, Director, Internal Medicine at Max Hospital in Saket, there is no need to panic as the strain is not leading to a spike in hospitalisations or episodes of pneumonia. 'It's a new strain, but it is behaving like a seasonal flu. There is nothing to worry about. Patients with comorbid conditions and those who are immunocompromised need to remain cautious,' he said. Patients have sore throat, cough and fever, all akin to symptoms of flu-like illnesses. Some may have nausea or conjunctivitis, like in earlier waves, said doctors. Dr Tickoo said even testing has not been required for far because patients are not showing any severe symptoms. Neighbouring Gurgaon and Faridabad have also reported cases. Two cases of Covid have been detected in Gurgaon, following which the district chief medical officer has assured the public that there is no cause for concern as yet. The cases involve a 62-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman who returned from Mumbai. 'Both cases have very mild symptoms and are undergoing home isolation. There is no need to panic. It is an endemic (disease) now. Many people with symptoms are likely to test positive,' Dr Alka Singh told media persons on Thursday. One resident of Faridabad – a 28-year-old security guard – also tested positive at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital while undergoing treatment for symptoms, sources said.
