New COVID-19 Strain JN.1 Causes Rise in Cases

The Omicron descendant, named a 'variant of interest' by the WHO, presents symptoms similar to a common cold.

The new COVID-19 strain, JN.1, is causing an increase in cases just in time for the holidays, accounting for 21.4% of cases in the United States as of Dec. 9.
JN.1 is a descendant of BA.2.86, both part of the Omicron lineage, and has been named a 'variant of interest' by the World Health Organization.
Symptoms of JN.1 are similar to a common cold, including congestion, runny nose, sore throat, dry cough, headaches, body aches, fatigue, and fever. Loss of taste and smell is less common.
COVID-19 vaccines are still the best defense against JN.1, with updated shots available to tackle circulating variants.
Antiviral treatment Paxlovid can reduce the severity of illness if started within five days of symptoms.