The World Health Organization has singled out JN.1 as a new variant of concern for COVID-19. Will this variant lead to another surge in infections?

The Upcoming Winter Season and COVID-19 Peaks

This winter, there will inevitably be a wave of COVID-19 infections; however, the magnitude of this peak and its duration cannot be precisely predicted in advance.

The reasons for the anticipated peak are as follows:

1. During the winter season, people spend more time indoors, making respiratory droplet and aerosol transmission easier.
2. Reduced physical activity in winter leads to decreased immunity, making individuals more susceptible to diseases.
3. Chinese people have recently faced a triple onslaught of mycoplasma, influenza, and the common cold, which has temporarily weakened their respiratory mucosa and immunity, rendering them more vulnerable to COVID-19.
4. Lower temperatures increase the survival time of the virus outside the body, making contact transmission more likely.
5. Increased population mobility during the Spring Festival travel season, winter holidays, New Year, and gatherings for celebrations and tourism results in higher frequency of gatherings and collective activities.
6. There hasn’t been a widespread re-vaccination campaign, resulting in lower levels of antibodies in the population.
7. New variants exhibit stronger immune evasion capabilities.

Regarding the new variants, there’s nothing particularly noteworthy. In the current context of repeated infections in the population, the variants that stand out will undoubtedly possess stronger immune evasion capabilities and faster transmission rates. The fatality rate may remain unchanged, weaken, or strengthen, but as long as their immune evasion capabilities are stronger and they spread faster, regardless of the fatality rate’s fluctuations, they can still spread rapidly.

As for the effectiveness of vaccines, it will certainly be promoted as still effective. However, logically speaking, you must understand that the reason these variants have stronger immune evasion capabilities is that the antibodies produced after natural infection or vaccination have diminishing effects on them. Therefore, the correct understanding should be that vaccines are still effective, but their effectiveness is reduced.

Regarding the primary use of physical isolation for self-protection, the answer is undoubtedly that it is still effective. However, whether its effectiveness has decreased is worth thinking about and researching. For example, masks have a minimum effectiveness of 95% in blocking respiratory droplets, and most masks are actually close to 100%. But for the few droplets that may be missed, if they contain the virus, the question is whether the infectivity has increased compared to before. For instance, if it used to take 100 particles to cause an infection, could it now be just 10 particles? This requires further research.

Of course, when it comes to protection, don’t rely solely on a single method but use a combination of measures. For example, over the past year, even when wearing a mask, I have maintained physical distance from people, especially those with symptoms.

Infection Peak? Isn’t that a commendable act of rapidly administering “natural vaccines,” promoting coexistence with the virus, repairing the immune fortress, and repaying the “immunity debt”? Gratitude is in order.

Peak? What peak?? Can it be higher than last year?? If not, it doesn’t count as a peak…

If, by any chance, it’s higher than last year, it must be due to immunity debt…

**Actually, this is an unnecessary question. According to some experts, it might still be called a low-level wave-like spread. Some experts previously mentioned a small peak, so it’s roughly the same idea. According to the data from the CCDC, it seems to match.

The Civil Affairs Bureau’s cremation data window continues to be open. As for the subsequent population data for 2023 from the Statistics Bureau, they might have already thought about it; let’s wait and see.

In any case, this wave of infections is quite easy to happen, as long as you are prepared to avoid it, it’s also quite easy.

The peak is probably between the peak in May of this year and the peak in December of last year. During the peak, around 25% (20~30%) of the population may get infected, and in a wave of the epidemic, about 60% or even more of the population may get infected, and multiple respiratory infections may be more severe. In fact, it had already warmed up a bit earlier. It is estimated that the highest monthly excess deaths may be >30%~60% (excluding abnormal data after the end of last year; not ruling out the possibility of even higher if accelerated measures are taken; estimated excess deaths in December or January last year may have exceeded 100%).

Currently, GISAID has only 12 sequencing samples from Fujian Province for December nationwide.

Estimated at around 1.5~3 times.

Singapore resumed reporting daily epidemic data on December 19th, what does it reveal?

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I checked previous topics related to the Shanghai and Hainan epidemics, and it seems they haven’t been discussed much. For example:

Since July 9th, Hainan has implemented temporary control measures for 7 days across the city. What is the current situation of the epidemic in Haikou?

On August 18th, Hainan reported 441 new local confirmed cases and 1058 local asymptomatic infections. What is the current local situation?

I wonder when these people will wake up from their dreams?

I saw that there were only a few likes at the beginning. I wonder if the people there have woken up now?

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Is the population optimization plan underway?

Who is more likely to be reinfected with the new coronavirus?

Hong Kong Epidemic Weekly Report

If you inhale only one particle of the new coronavirus, can you get infected? What are the chances?

Original: Mask Indicators - Can Your Mask Protect Against the Pneumonia Virus?

“COVID-19” Pandemic - Timeline

First Financial’s Compilation of the Core Timeline of the Wuhan Epidemic - 2020 Epidemic Timeline

Strong State, Weak People, Heavy Punishment, Light Reward, Brainwashing of the Ignorant - “The Book of Lord Shang

In foreign countries, the market share of some countries (such as the United States) for JN.1 may have already exceeded fifty percent.

In China, “7 cases” of JN.1 have also been detected. Since it has already entered the country, and our measures are no different from others, it is naturally impossible to avoid the path that others have taken.

A rough estimate suggests that the peak is likely to occur from late January to mid-February.

This time, it should not be as devastating as the end of last year, but the duration will be longer.

As of December 10th, a total of seven cases of the JN.1 variant have been detected among domestic cases in China. Will it become the dominant strain domestically? How should it be prevented and controlled?

This question is actually quite interesting.

Because the most accurate answer should be:

Yes, but it, in turn, won’t be dominant.

How should we understand this answer?

First, you need to understand that there are actually many viruses prevalent in the market today. Although mycoplasma does not belong to the category of viruses, it has a form that is closest to viruses. So, we also classify it as a viral category.

For example, among the viruses currently prevalent, we have the novel coronavirus, influenza A virus, influenza B virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, drug-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and respiratory syncytial virus.

Among these viruses, the novel coronavirus is further divided into different subtypes, creating a confusing situation. Regarding influenza viruses, we have long believed that there may be new mutations in influenza A and influenza B viruses, but this is currently unknown. Avian influenza is also one type of influenza virus. As for Mycoplasma pneumoniae, although we say there is drug-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae and non-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae, the mutations related to drug resistance are also unpredictable, and we don’t know how many subtypes there are.

This article discusses the novel coronavirus, which has some unique characteristics.

Let’s talk about the characteristics of the novel coronavirus. The most obvious feature of the novel coronavirus is:

It reduces the number of lymphocytes.

This is a common phenomenon in hematological tests, but not all patients experience it.

What is the underlying reason?

The fundamental reason is that the novel coronavirus reduces immunity. It can potentially attack lymphocytes and lower the body’s immune system function.

So, what does this lead to?

It reduces the body’s active immune function, making it clear that it opens a gap for other viruses to breach the body’s defenses.

So, what happens next?

Fever occurs. At this point, it is very likely to be an infection with the novel coronavirus, but the body quickly establishes immunity to the novel coronavirus. However, because the novel coronavirus has reduced various aspects of the body’s immunity, the body becomes weaker at this point.

Lacking immunity to other viruses such as influenza and mycoplasma, among others.

So, you may feel that the real epidemic is caused by other pathogens rather than the novel coronavirus. But the novel coronavirus plays the role of a vanguard in this scenario.

Just like attacking a fortress.

The vanguard may have already sacrificed themselves to climb the fortress, and even if you count the casualties, there may not be many vanguards left.

The real conquest of the fortress is carried out by the main force in the rear.

Among the main force, there are various types of troops,

Diverse and numerous, without exception.

Anyone has the opportunity to take the dominant position.

It is more likely that when one side finishes singing, the other side takes the stage.

This may be the ultimate outcome…

Like and follow, so that more people can see and enjoy good karma ♡o(╥﹏╥)o ♥♡

▲ Don’t forget to take a look if you see this.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has, for the first time, included the “COVID-19 variant JN.1” in its COVID-19 near-term forecast and stated that JN.1 is currently the fastest-growing COVID-19 variant in the United States. As of that day, the CDC estimated that JN.1 accounted for 15%-29% of the COVID-19 variants circulating in the United States. Back at the end of October, JN.1 represented less than 0.1% of COVID-19 variants in the United States, indicating a significant increase.

On December 17th, the National Health Commission of China held a press conference to introduce the prevention and control of respiratory diseases in winter.

In response, Dr. Chang Zhaorui, a researcher at the Infectious Disease Management Division of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), stated that the COVID-19 variant JN.1 is a sub-branch of the Omicron variant BA.2.86. Global monitoring results show that since November, BA.2.86, particularly the sub-branch JN.1, has seen a significant increase in its global prevalence and has become one of the dominant strains in some countries. On November 21st, the World Health Organization upgraded BA.2.86 from a “variant under monitoring” (VUM) to a “variant of interest” (VOI), assessing a low clinical risk of severe infection and an overall low public health risk.

Monitoring results for COVID-19 variants in China show that since the first reported case of the BA.2.86 variant on August 31, 2023, a total of 160 sequences of BA.2.86 and its sub-branches have been reported nationwide. Among them, 148 sequences were from imported cases, while 12 sequences were from local cases, and no severe or critical cases were reported. Currently, the proportion of the BA.2.86 variant in sequences reported in China is very low. However, the proportion in sequences of imported cases has been increasing rapidly since November, gradually converging with the global trend.

Expert assessments suggest that COVID-19 infections in China are currently at a relatively low prevalence, and the proportion of BA.2.86 and its sub-branches is low. The public health risk of this variant in China is currently low. So far, no unknown new viruses or bacteria have been discovered in the monitoring of respiratory pathogens in China.

JN.1 Variant

JN.1 is the second-generation sub-branch of the Omicron variant BA.2.86 of the COVID-19 virus and is one of the sub-branches with strong transmission advantages within the BA.2.86 variant. This variant was first detected in samples collected in Luxembourg on August 25th of this year. Since November, due to the rapid growth of JN.1’s proportion among global circulating strains, the World Health Organization upgraded the BA.2.86 variant from “variant under monitoring” (VUM) to “variant of interest” (VOI) on November 21st.

Transmission Speed of JN.1 Variant

From the situation in various countries, it is observed that the JN.1 variant has been rapidly growing recently, but research shows that there is no significant difference in transmission compared to the XBB variant. According to the World Health Organization’s report, COVID-19 vaccines containing the XBB.1.5 component are still effective against the JN.1 variant. Therefore, under the premise of widespread immunity in the population to Omicron variants (including vaccination and natural infection), the transmission capacity of the JN.1 variant may be relatively limited.

Will JN.1 Variant Cause More Severe Symptoms?

The World Health Organization assesses the clinical risk of severe infection, including JN.1, among BA.2.86 variants as low. U.S. monitoring data shows that the proportion of JN.1 variants in recent COVID-19 cases in the United States has increased, but there have been no reports of increased disease severity due to JN.1 infection. Monitoring data in China shows that individuals infected with the JN.1 variant have mild or asymptomatic cases. The symptoms caused by different variants are often similar, and the type and severity of symptoms usually depend more on individual immunity. Based on existing evidence, the public health risk of the JN.1 variant is low.

How to Prevent and Control?

As with preventing infections from other Omicron variants, it is recommended that the public continue to maintain good personal hygiene habits, wear masks scientifically, get vaccinated in a timely manner, maintain regular schedules, ensure a healthy diet, and enhance overall immunity.

Timely Vaccination

In the face of new COVID-19 variants with stronger immune evasion capabilities, it is recommended to promptly receive booster shots with new vaccines. Even for individuals who have not been infected with Omicron variants, two doses of updated booster vaccines are recommended. For those who have previously been infected with a variant, it is advisable to receive vaccines that include the latest variant strains.

Currently, XBB COVID-19 vaccines are being administered in various regions, and

[JN.1 Designated as a Variant of Concern]

From the beginning, JN.1’s transmission rate far exceeded that of other known variants. Now, it is anticipated that this variant may contribute to an increase in COVID-19 cases amid the ongoing competition with other viruses and bacteria infections…

We are currently in the season of respiratory infections, and given that JN.1 could lead to an increase in COVID-19 cases, one may wonder if there will be a peak in infections. It’s up to your own interpretation and judgment.

One significant reason for singling out JN.1 is that it could potentially exacerbate the burden of respiratory diseases when co-infecting with other pathogens. Regarding JN.1, it is still suggested that, up to now, it has not posed a significant additional risk to public health.

The concern lies in the possibility of an “aggravated burden” when JN.1 and other pathogens overlap. As we are currently in a season with a high prevalence of respiratory diseases, the concept of an infection peak should be individually understood and dealt with, based on one’s own circumstances, to protect oneself and one’s family.

Regardless of the peak, safeguarding one’s health remains the key priority, and ensuring the health and safety of one’s family is of utmost importance.

JN.1: Am I so extraordinary that I don’t deserve a name of my own?

The World Health Organization has just released a report indicating that in the past month, the proportion of the new COVID-19 variant JN.1 has rapidly increased from 3.3% in early November to 27.1% in early December.

Countries with the highest reported proportions of JN.1 include France, the United States, Singapore, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The Western Pacific region has seen the most significant increase in the prevalence of JN.1. Meanwhile, Singapore is experiencing a record-breaking surge in COVID-19 cases, prompting the Ministry of Health to issue a strong recommendation for mask-wearing.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted a sharp rise in JN.1 within a two-week period, increasing from 8.1% to 21.4%. Prominent infectious disease expert J. P. Weiland predicted on Twitter that based on wastewater tracking, JN.1 will become the dominant variant within a week, potentially resulting in one million infections worldwide each day.

The World Health Organization suggests that JN.1 appears to have higher immune evasion properties compared to the BA.2.86 parent virus. JN.1 was first identified on August 25th of this year. The WHO initially designated BA.2.86 as a variant of concern in August and later upgraded it, along with its sublineage, including JN.1, to a variant of interest in late November.

According to the latest data on the CDC’s website, the United States is currently experiencing the highest weekly COVID-19 hospitalizations since February 2023, with 22,513 new cases reported in the week ending December 2nd.

While HV.1 subvariant remains the predominant strain currently, JN.1 is gaining ground. In the two weeks leading up to December 9th, HV.1 accounted for 30% of new COVID-19 cases in the United States, while JN.1 made up approximately 21%.

Fifteen states and New York City are currently experiencing “very high” levels of viral surge, including cases of flu, RSV, and COVID-19.

In the week ending December 9th, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri had positivity rates of 17.2%, up from 16.7% in the previous two weeks.

Although COVID-19 cases have not yet reached the peaks seen in 2020 and 2021, health experts anticipate an increase in winter cases as temperatures drop, leading to rising infection rates in fifteen states.

South Carolina and Louisiana have been categorized as “level 12,” signifying a “very high” disease rate.

An additional thirteen states, including Alabama, California, Florida, Texas, New Jersey, Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina, have “very high” disease levels.

It seems you haven’t provided any specific paragraphs to translate in your recent message. Please provide the paragraphs you’d like to have translated from one language to the other, and I’ll be happy to assist you with the translations.

I randomly searched, and the news quality on Central Radio and Television Network (央广网) seems good:

Trending First! The COVID-19 variant JN.1 has been found in 12 countries worldwide. How contagious is it, and what are the symptoms?

“Sheena Cruickshank, an immunologist at the University of Manchester, believes that spike protein mutations mean that patients infected with JN.1 may take longer to recover or could lead to more severe illnesses.”

“In addition to the JN.1 variant, there is also strong transmission of the HV.1 derivative of Omicron.”

It seems that JN.1 is like a strengthened version of COVID-19, making recovery difficult.

I met a friend from Singapore yesterday, and the situation there is indeed severe.

I estimate there will be a continuous series of peaks, so prepare for a prolonged battle.

Medical professionals will have to endure longer and more severe cases of COVID, and the number of patients won’t decrease. It’s painful to even think about.

For better or worse, this time we should see our stubborn colleagues finally wearing N95 masks, right?

Certainly, take a look at the speed of market dominance…

What about the data from Johns Hopkins University at this time? How many deaths have occurred in the United States?

The World Health Organization’s call indicates that Western vaccines and drugs are no longer effective.

In fact, no matter how the COVID-19 virus mutates, it spreads in aerosol form in the air. Managing air circulation is crucial.

Wearing masks is essential to reduce the amount of inhaled air in public places.

However, wearing masks alone is not sufficient. It should be combined with frequent handwashing, mouth rinsing, and flushing itchy eyes with purified water to minimize direct infection.

If multiple people live in the same household, especially with infants, young children, or the elderly, the residence should be upgraded to a low-energy, healthy home to ensure that there are no virus aerosols in the air entering the rooms.

I haven’t tested positive until now, and I’ve been following these practices. Due to my experience of taking care of COVID-19-positive family members at home for two weeks without getting infected, I can say that this approach is reliable.

The global healthcare system led by the World Health Organization has chosen the most challenging path, categorizing the virus in various ways, including distinguishing variant strains. Developing targeted vaccine testing technologies and therapeutic drugs is indeed a formidable task.

In fact, respiratory infectious diseases, viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms are all transmitted through aerosols in the air, which means they are particulate pollutants in the air.

Similar to smog, the composition of these aerosols includes various harmful substances, and if categorized in this manner, there may be thousands of them. From the perspective of the air, they are all classified as fine particulate matter pollutants, which are commonly known as PM2.5.

Therefore, preventing infections from the perspective of managing air circulation is effective.

Up to now, I have not tested positive for the virus, rarely experience the flu, have no recollection of ever having it, and I do not suffer from pollen allergies. The methods I have been using are outlined in the image below. Interested friends can take a look.

Like earthquakes, there’s no need to run for small tremors, and you can’t escape from a major quake. What’s destined will always come, so prepare accordingly and stay calm.

I find this question quite intriguing. Moreover, it cannot be ruled out that JN.1 may have the possibility of mutation and transmission. JN.1 itself is already quite powerful to emerge among numerous strains, and once it starts spreading, there may be even more mutation possibilities. As far as I know, the peak of infections has already occurred.

Regardless of the virus, prevention can be achieved in a similar way. First, ensure fresh air. Second, implement protective measures. Third, enhance one’s own immunity.

In addition, the period from Minor Cold to the beginning of Spring is traditionally the most dangerous time for the elderly. At home, use air purifiers, keep spare masks for preventing cross-infection, and have cold and fever medication ready.