Winter solstice greetings! The shortest day and longest night of year celebrates the return of the light. Unfortunately, winter viruses are rampant during this month of many celebrations. As predicted, COVID-19 cases are increasing along with influenza, RSV, strep and many other respiratory illnesses.
The newest coronavirus subvariant, JN.1, is rapidly spreading and becoming the most dominant variant. The World Health Organization has classified it as a “variant of interest.” To be a variant of interest it must have genetic changes that impact its characteristics and growing in a way that makes it a risk to global public health.
To date there is no evidence of it causing more serious illness. The updated vaccine appears to be active against JN.1. Symptoms are similar to previous strains. Worse symptoms and outcomes are more dependent on a person’s immunity and overall health. The CDC reports emergency room visits, hospitalizations and death rates for COVID-19 cases are elevated nationally. In the Midwest emergency visits are increasing to last year’s surge numbers.
