Take Precautions Against COVID Variant JN.1

Don't just ignore it -- get your vaccine and wear a mask before you get sick. Do your part to reduce the spread of COVID.

From US News: What to Know About the New COVID-19 Variant JN.1

"JN.1, which is a close relative to BA.2.86, is the fastest growing variant in the U.S. According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, JN.1 was responsible for more than 1 in 5 new coronavirus cases in recent weeks.

"Vaccine expert Dr. Peter Hotez called JN.1 a 'bad' strain, noting its high transmissibility and immune escape capabilities.

"'This new XBB annual immunization that became available this September should offer some cross protection to keep you out of the hospital,' Hotez said on social media.

Uptake of the shot, however, has been low. About 17% of adults and nearly 8% of children have rolled up their sleeves for it, according to national survey data.

And COVID-19 metrics are on the rise. New hospital admissions have been increasing for a month, surpassing the peak numbers during the late summer wave.

The CDC warned that JN.1’s 'rapid growth' compared to other strains raises a question: Could it drive an increase in infections?

"'Right now, we do not know to what extent JN.1 may be contributing to these increases or possible increases through the rest of December like those seen in previous years,' the agency said. 'CDC will closely monitor COVID-19 activity and the spread of JN.1.'"