The rapid spread of the COVID strain JN.1 prompts concern, What are the symptoms?

The rapid spread of the COVID strain JN.1 prompts concern, What are the symptoms?

A recently identified strain of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the coronavirus pandemic four years ago, has been identified in numerous countries.   On Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated JN.1 as a "variant of interest." Having surfaced in the United States in September, the variant has since proliferated across 41 countries.  Public health agencies worldwide are closely observing this new variant due to its heightened transmission rate.   Here's an overview of what is currently known about the strain and its associated risk.  What characterizes the novel COVID-19 strain JN.1?  Originating from its predecessor, BA 2.86, the new coronavirus strain, JN.1, is part of the lineage of the "Omicron" variant, a more severe form of COVID-19 that reached its peak last year.  Each virus possesses distinct "spike proteins" that facilitate cell infection and symptom development. Changes or "mutations" in the DNA sequence of these spi…