The novel JN.1 virus has not been reported in Delhi, but physicians urge the elderly and people with co-morbidities to avoid crowded locations. Doctors say those with influenza-like symptoms should wear masks, get tested, and isolate themselves. Health minister Saurabh Bharadwaj ordered sample collection.
Delhi has not yet seen a case of the new JN.1 virus, but physicians have advised the elderly and those with co-morbidities to avoid crowded, closed settings.
Doctors have also advised susceptible people to wear masks, get tested, and isolate themselves if they have influenza-like symptoms.
This virus (BA.2.86 JN.1) avoids vaccination and infection immunity due to a spike protein mutation. Clinical evidence suggests this variation spreads quickly. The disease is light, thankfully. Dr. GC Khilnani, chairman of PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and a member of the WHO Global Air Pollution and Health Technical Advisory Group, said it may harm the elderly, obese, and those with COPD, diabetes, cancers, and other diseases.
“Therefore, it is important to prevent this virus spread,” he stated.
He warned that hyping up may generate confusion because air pollution causes a high rate of cough, sore throat, and other viral-like illnesses in Delhi-NCR. “Susceptible people should avoid crowds. N95 masks are recommended for Covid and pollution protection, he noted.
The JN.1 variety has not caused severe disease internationally, according to Holy Family Hospital’s medical director and critical care medicine head Dr. Sumit Ray. He warned that vulnerable populations like the elderly or those with significant co-morbidities such chronic liver or lung disorders are more susceptible to serious illness and need to be more vigilant. He added vaccination for susceptible populations may be necessary if illness severity increases.
Dr. Ray advised testing those with Covid-like symptoms who have traveled overseas or were exposed to them. He stated that the public health system should track infection rates to apply prevention measures.
Health minister Saurabh Bharadwaj told TOI: “No new variant case has been identified here yet. We monitor hospital cases. Pneumonia and flu cases with diverse symptoms are tested extensively.” No need to panic, he said.
All Delhi government hospitals have been ordered to collect samples from patients with influenza-like symptoms or severe acute respiratory infection. He said that sufficient Covid samples will be sent for RT-PCR and genome sequencing. Raising awareness about gathering in crowded, poorly ventilated spaces and wearing masks in hospitals will be done. Bharadwaj said
Dr. Randeep Guleria, chairman of Medanta Hospital’s Institute of Internal Medicine, Respiratory, and Sleep Medicine, advised caution due to the high volume of travel and meetings. He advised symptomatic people to avoid such meetings.
He stated, “We need more data on the efficacy of the current vaccines against the new variants…. New Omicron vaccinations can be administered to higher-risk groups for free once they are available. However, our research suggests the current immunizations are protecting some.” “We know JN.1 is more transmissible but there is no evidence of severe disease, so no reason to worry,” epidemiology and public policy and health systems specialist Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya said. He added that further vaccine doses are not needed.
Conclusion
Although Delhi has not yet seen any cases of the new JN.1 virus, experts advise the elderly and those with co-morbidities to avoid crowded, restricted settings. Doctors say those with influenza-like symptoms should wear masks, get tested, and isolate themselves. This virus avoids immunization due to spike protein mutation. The virus spreads quickly but may harm vulnerable groups like the elderly, obese, and those with COPD, diabetes, malignancies, and other disorders.
