The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a new warning in recent hours regarding the new variant of the coronavirus, JN.1, which has begun spreading rapidly in several countries around the world, sparking fear and panic.
The WHO classified the new variant, JN.1, as "interesting" and separate from the parent strain, BA.2.86, after previously classifying it as a subtype of that strain, according to Al Arabiya.
Based on available evidence, the organization assessed the risk posed by the JN.1 variant as low. However, with the onset of winter, the variant could lead to an increased burden of respiratory infections in many countries.
The organization recommended taking the necessary measures to prevent infection using all available tools, including wearing masks in crowded, enclosed or poorly ventilated areas, practicing breathing etiquette and covering the face while coughing and sneezing, washing hands regularly, getting the flu vaccine for people most at risk of severe infection, staying at home when sick, and getting a diagnostic test if symptoms appear or if one comes into contact with someone infected with influenza or COVID-19.