What’s Behind the Spike?
According to Dr. Manisha Mendiratta, Associate Director & Head of Pulmonology at Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad, one of the main contributors to the recent increase is the emergence of new Omicron subvariants—particularly the JN.1 lineage. This subvariant is highly transmissible and more adept at evading immunity, though it does not appear to be more lethal. Most vaccinated individuals continue to experience mild symptoms.
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Another key factor is waning immunity. In many Asian countries, large segments of the population received their last vaccine dose over a year ago, and booster uptake has remained low. As immunity fades, especially among vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with underlying conditions, the risk of infection rises.
The relaxation of public health precautions has further compounded the issue. With people resuming normal activities and largely abandoning mask usage, social distancing, and hygiene practices, the virus now has greater opportunities to spread. International travel and mass gatherings have also resumed at full scale, adding to the challenge.
Seasonal factors are playing a role as well. As temperatures drop in parts of Asia, more people are spending time indoors, where poor ventilation increases the risk of transmission.
Meanwhile, underreporting remains a concern due to reduced testing, meaning the true number of cases may be significantly higher than what is officially reported.
Importance of Testing and Surveillance
“Testing is crucial to identify which specific strain is driving the outbreak,” emphasized experts. “This data must be shared not only across countries but also within a country—between different states—to ensure a coordinated response.”
Early detection of new mutations through genomic surveillance is essential in staying ahead of the virus and containing its spread.
Symptoms Associated with the JN.1 Variant
New symptoms linked to the JN.1 subvariant include:
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Diarrhoea (more commonly observed with this variant)
- Runny or blocked nose
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Loss of taste or smell
Dr. Sandeep Budhiraja, Senior Director of the Institute of Internal Medicine and Group Medical Director at Max Healthcare, advises the public and health authorities to remain vigilant. Monitoring for new cases—especially among travelers—and strengthening surveillance systems are vital steps.
“In any case where COVID-19 is suspected, particularly involving international travelers, genomic testing and isolation should be carried out,” he said. “If cases begin to rise, we must reconsider our vaccination strategy, particularly booster doses for high-risk groups—the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, organ failure, or individuals on immunosuppressive therapy.”
Key Prevention Measures
Despite the surge, there is no need to panic, experts say. However, continued adherence to preventive measures is essential:
- Wearing masks in crowded or enclosed spaces
- Regular hand washing
- Maintaining social distance where possible
- Staying indoors and isolating if symptomatic or infected
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general awareness and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your doctor or healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment or lifestyle.
