The pandemic is not over yet and the JN.1 variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is rapidly becoming established worldwide. This variant is a derivative of BA.2.86, has more than 30 new mutations in the spike protein since Omicron was released more than two years ago, a health expert has warned.
In terms of wastewater volumes, JN.1 is now associated with the second largest wave of infections in the United States during the pandemic, after Omicron.It is not possible to determine the actual number of infections because most people are tested at home or not at all. However, the high levels of wastewater suggest that about two million Americans are becoming infected every day.In several European countries, wastewater volumes have reached record levels and exceed the Omicron values.
The big wave of infections brings good news. This did not result in an increase in hospitalizations, as was the case with Omicron. The “updated” Power Jab will be available from September and offers some protection against the JN.1 variant.However, only 19% of eligible Americans received this updated booster dose.
This happens when flu and RSV levels are very high and some people get two of these infections at the same time.
Eric Topol, an American cardiologist and scientist, told the Los Angeles Times:
"With all three respiratory viruses circulating, you would think we would see people wearing masks everywhere in public places." That couldn't be further from the truth be distant. “The state of denial and the general refusal to take simple measures to reduce the risk of infection are pervasive. »It took several weeks for health systems to recognize the threat posed by JN.1 was released in October. Mask requirements for medical staff and patients were only recently reintroduced in some places. But little has been done across the country to improve indoor air quality or improve filtration and ventilation, Topol said.
Even in its fifth year, SARS-CoV-2 continues to show its power and constantly change to infect us.
The high number of infections in the current wave is likely to lead to an increase in the number of people affected by Covid-19 in the long term.For many people, especially older adults, those with weakened immune systems or other health problems, contracting Covid-19 is more than just a respiratory infection.
However, there is some good news in the form of new data that shows promise for oral and inhaled vaccines to protect against different strains of the virus.The United States is investing heavily to speed up testing of two different intranasal vaccines and other vaccines that work better and longer than the variants.
However, these projects have only just begun and there has been no urgency to complete them by 2024, unlike what we saw with Operation Warp Speed in 2020 said Topol.
He added: "Now there is only whining from the White House about Covid-19, with no news about how to get a booster shot or updated masking." The Biden administration has done too little to promote the search for effective long-term treatments for Covid-19.
“This passivity reinforces the illusion that the pandemic is behind us, when in reality it is raging.” And after this season there will be a quieter time that will make us believe again that the pandemic is over.
“But we cannot accept this until we recognize the reality and increase research that will allow us to block infections and the spread of viruses and achieve long-lasting, variant-resistant immunity.”