New Corona variant is VoI not VoC

The new JN.1 sub-variant of Omicron is Variant of Interest (VoI) and not Variant of Concern (VoC), says Organised Medicine Academic Guild (OMAG), the apex federation of 15 professional associations of post-graduate doctors in India amid the sudden increase of Covid-19 cases.

“Till JN.1 become VoC, it should not bother the common person, in fact, they do not come into picture at all. Till it is only a VoI, it is only of interest or if at all concern, for the scientific community and nodal ministry in Governments at state and centre,” said Dr Ishwar Gilada, Secretary General, OMAG.

“In fact Omicron acted as a Variant of Support (VoS) for India and only after its entry two years back our country opened-up, schools/colleges started, tourism took off, socialisation and conferences started, and the economy boomed,” he said.

On whether JN.1 sub-variant of Omicron can not drive a fresh wave, Dr Gilada said: “ India had managed the Covid-19 pandemic much better than many powerful countries.”

According to him, India had one of the best vaccination against Covid-19, with 75% of the population fully vaccinated and 35% of the population having received a booster (third dose). “Third-wave orchestrated by the Omincon variant mainly with the BA.2 sub-variant infected majority of the population with least morbidity and mortality. In fact BA.2 was a saviour for India, from infections with BA.4 and BA.5 as well as descendants of BA.2 like BA.2.86 (Pirola). We are much better prepared now than ever before. Not only that, India supports more than 50 countries in Africa and elsewhere with preparedness, medicines and vaccines. That contribution is unmatched globally,” he said.

Though identified in August 2023 in Luxembourg and currently present in more than 40 countries, it has neither caused larger morbidity or any remarkable mortality. Deaths are only in co-morbid people globally. Though initially contemplated - JN.1 to be more infectious, when India's first JN.1 case was detected in Kerala, in reality it was not found to be so.

"Presence of JN.1 has not increased demand for Oxygen, Beds, ICU beds or Ventilators. In fact, JN.1 symptoms pose diagnostic dilemma with Influenza a (H1N1 and H3N2) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), the later two being more common. In fact, the programme should be for Influenza Like Illnesses (ILI) rather than only Covid-centric. No fresh vaccination / Covid booster required or advised anywhere globally. No Mask-mandate required. However masking can be requested for Senior Citizens and those with Severe comorbidities as well as those with such people at home and going in crowded places. Anyways, the mask is helpful in preventing not only covid-19 infection but also other viral and bacterial infections, said Dr Gilada.

“Mask is also useful in preventing ill-effects of pollutants and allergens that are prevalent due to winter and altered Air Quality Index-AQI. No need for any travel restrictions nor any curbs on social gatherings, meetings, conferences, religious gatherings. In fact they can become counter-productive, if imposed. 10. No need for high-volume Covid testing. Only targeted testing (of suspected cases) is all that is required. Unless we get any fresh Variant of Coronavirus, that is like or more severe than Delta variant, we need not worry,” he added.