Following the announcement by the World Health Organization of a new fast-spreading variant of the coronavirus (JN. 1), public considerations have arisen about the efficacy of existing vaccines against the new strain.
The WHO clarified in a recent report that existing vaccines can still protect against severe illness and death caused by the JN. 1 mutant and other circulating variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (the virus that causes COVID-19).
The WHO recommends sticking to coronavirus and flu vaccines, especially for those at higher risk of severe illness.
Ahmed Shawky, a member of the Scientific Committee for the Fight against Coronavirus at Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population, said that although JN. 1 differs from its original strain (BA. 2. 86), existing vaccines are still effective in providing coverage and preventing severe infections. and death.
According to Shawky, in the winter season, temperatures drop and rates of viral respiration infection increase.
The rate of transmission and respiration of viruses increases the frequency and threat of genetic mutations that allow a virus to infect more hosts, he added.
Shawky said “JN. 1,” first discovered in the U. S. in September, is of specific interest to the WHO because of its rising global infection rate.
This requires tracking and tracing the inflamed instances to the point that the dangerousness of the new mutant, which, he said, is still low.
Shawky urged Americans and teams at maximum risk of respiratory virus infection, especially the elderly, patients with core diseases, lung diseases and immune formula diseases, to adhere to precautionary measures such as social distancing, wearing a face mask in crowded places, and avoiding enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces.
Medical attention will be sought if symptoms of suspected viral infection appear for diagnostic testing and investigations, he said.
The chairman of the Scientific Committee to Fight the Coronavirus, Hossam Hosni, said that JN. 1 spreads quickly and is not very dangerous.
Symptoms appear less severe in other people vaccinated against the coronavirus than in those who are not vaccinated.
He explained that so far no specimen globally has been admitted to intensive care.