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The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified a new variant of interest of Covid-19 called JN.1 due to its rapid increase in its spread, although its health risk is low.
"Based on the available evidence, the additional risk to global public health posed by JN.1 is currently assessed as low," the WHO said on Tuesday.
Despite this, with the onset of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, "JN.1 could increase the burden of respiratory infections in many countries." Therefore, WHO will continuously monitor the data and update the JN.1 risk assessment.
In addition, he remarked that current vaccines continue to protect against severe disease and death from JN.1 and other circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19.
The WHO recalled that Covid-19 is not the only respiratory disease circulating. Influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and common childhood pneumonia are on the rise.
Recommendations
For this reason, he advised taking measures to prevent these infections with the use of all available tools. Among them, don't forget to wear a mask when in crowded, enclosed, or poorly ventilated areas, and keep a safe distance from others.
Along with these recommendations, practice respiratory etiquette: cover coughs and sneezes; wash your hands regularly; be up to date on Covid-19 and flu vaccines, especially if you are at high risk for severe illness.
The WHO also advised staying home if you are sick and getting tested if you have symptoms or if you might have been exposed to someone with Covid-19 or influenza.
- Covid 19
- Coronavirus