CNN Report on Rise of Covid-19 Subvariant JN.1 and Increase in Winter Viruses
The coronavirus subvariant JN.1 is now the fastest-growing strain of the virus in the United States, constituting about 20% of new Covid-19 infections, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the Northeast, JN.1 has become the dominant variant.
In response to this rise in infections, the CDC has issued an alert to clinicians about the need to increase immunizations for influenza, Covid-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Hospitalizations across all age groups have increased significantly for these viruses in the past four weeks, with a 200% increase for influenza, 60% for RSV, and 51% for Covid-19.
This surge in infections comes just before the holidays, prompting concerns about the safety of gatherings and travel. To address these concerns, CNN spoke with Dr. Leana Wen, a CNN wellness medical expert and emergency physician.
Dr. Wen emphasized the importance of being up-to-date on vaccinations and the availability of treatments such as Paxlovid for Covid-19. She also stressed the need for increased immunizations for influenza and RSV, as vaccination rates for these viruses remain low.
Regarding holiday gatherings and travel, Dr. Wen advised that precautions depend on the medical circumstances of individuals and their loved ones. While general precautions such as handwashing and staying away from others when ill may be sufficient for healthy individuals, those who are vulnerable or immunocompromised may need to take additional precautions such as wearing high-quality masks and avoiding crowded spaces.
For those traveling away from home, Dr. Wen recommended having a plan in place for seeking medical care if necessary and packing home coronavirus tests for symptom monitoring.
Event organizers were also advised to take steps to reduce the chance of virus spread, such as improving ventilation, offering outdoor options for gatherings, and implementing safety measures for buffets, including hand sanitizer and limiting congregation around food and drink.
Ultimately, Dr. Wen emphasized the importance of vaccination for protecting individuals against these viruses and reducing the risk of severe disease.
As the holiday season approaches, the rise in Covid-19 subvariant JN.1 and the increase in winter viruses serve as a reminder of the ongoing need for precautions and vaccinations to protect public health.