It’s been coooold here in Houston, which means more time inside and more time for those pesky cold and flu viruses to spread. There’s also a new variant of COVID to worry about. Below, I break down what you need to know about the new JN.1 variant and how you can protect yourself.
The New Variant
The JN.1 variant was first detected last September and has continued to spread across the country ever since. It’s unclear if this variant showcases different symptoms from other variants. As of now, the symptoms from JN.1 variant appear similar to other COVID-19 variants. Some other good news, the JN.1 variant does not seem to show an increased risk to public health compared to other COVID-19 variants.
The Symptoms
Make sure to monitor your symptoms and take a COVID-19 test promptly if you think you’ve been exposed. You can still order two free COVID-19 tests from the government, if you haven’t done so already. Some COVID-19 symptoms include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle and body aches
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
- Nausea and vomiting
- Congestion or runny nose
- Diarrhea
How To Protect Yourself
- Make sure you stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine. If you recently had COVID, you should wait about three months before getting the vaccine.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap.
- Wear a mask in public or crowded places.
- Avoid close physical contact with others if they appear sick.
- Make sure to self-isolate if you test positive from COVID and alert others that you may have exposed.
Also, here’s why Houston’s one of the hardest places to live for allergy sufferers.
