COVID cases are on the rise again. The season for flu, RSV, cold and COVID cases is well underway and, according to the CDC ( Centers for Disease Control ) the rates of infection have been on a steady incline.

A long list of COVID-19 variants and mutations have developed since the virus arrived in the U.S. over three years ago, helping to drive ongoing infections despite advancements in preventative care, treatments and vaccines.

Already the second-largest source of COVID cases, JN.1 is a health factor to take into consideration when planning to visit family this holiday season.

The World Health Organization has added a new covid-19 strain, JN.1, to its list of “variants of interest,” its second highest level of monitoring.

Itself an offshoot of the omicron subvariant BA.2.86 (nicknamed “Pirola” by the media),1 JN.1 is described by WHO as posing a “low” risk to global public health. The agency warned, however, that the winter season in the northern hemisphere could increase the burden of respiratory infections in many countries.

Having made up just 3% of infections in early November, JN.1 is now responsible for over 27%, WHO said.

JN.1 was first detected in 12 countries in September, the highest proportions being in Canada, France, Singapore, Sweden, the UK, and the US. The UK Health Security Agency has told the BBC that JN.1 is found in about 7% of the positive covid-19 tests analysed.

Data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that JN.1 is the fastest growing covid strain in the US, responsible for 15-29% of new covid infections.4 It is already the dominant strain in the north east of the US, where it is responsible for a third of all cases.

WHO has emphasised 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—and has urged people to stay up to date with their vaccinations, particularly those at high risk of disease.

The UN agency also warned that COVID-19 was not the only respiratory disease circulating. Flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and common childhood pneumonia were on the rise, it said, reminding people to wear masks, wash their hands regularly, cover any coughs and sneezes, and stay at home if sick.

Locally there are a lot of COVID cases admitted in hospitals and a lot of online consults – these cases have been triggered by Xmas parties , malling , travels , complacency , and cold weather + perhaps new Omicron subvariant JN.1.

Of course with the rise in cases, the effective anti viral drug, Molnupiravir is currently out of stock now.

Based on DOH data and the analysis of Prof. Guido David, the NCR 7 day COVID testing positivity rate increased from 16 % on Dec 12 to 22 % on Dec 19.

The current trajectory suggests that the peak infections in the NCR will occur next week but this can still change depending on our level of our preparations to defend ourselves going to the next season of festive holiday season.

To prevent infections and severe disease , the WHO recommends:

Wear a mask in crowded and enclosed areas

Cover up coughs and sneezes

Clean your hands regularly

Stay up to date with COVID and flu vaccinations , especially if vulnerable or with co morbid conditions

Stay home if sick or ill

Get tested if you have symptoms

What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, great hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal and that every path may lead to peace and everyone is healthy – mentally , physically and spiritually.

Take care of your body, it’s the only place you have to live.

Don’t let COVID spoil your Christmas.🎄😷🏥.

###

Anthony C. Leachon, M. D.

Independent Health Reform Advocate

Past President ,
Philippine College of Physicians

Department of Internal Medicine
Manila Doctors Hospital