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Pa. health officials urge caution as new JN.1 variant spreads

The CDC says nearly half of all new COVID infections are of the JN.1 variant.

YORK, Pa. — Christmas cheer wasn't the only thing being spread around this holiday weekend, as a new COVID variant is quickly making its way into the mainstream. 

According to the CDC, the new JN.1 variant is quickly becoming the dominant strain of COVID nationwide. As of Dec. 22, around 44% of new COVID cases are due to the JN.1 variant - that number is at 41% in Pennsylvania.

Dr. John Goldman, an infectious disease specialist at UPMC, said those cases are likely to rise as people return home from spending the holidays with their families.

“The COVID cases will continue to increase, and in previous years it usually increases until around mid-January," explained Dr. Goldman.

Symptoms of the JN.1 variant are similar to other COVID strains, which include fever and chills, coughing, runny noses, fatigue, difficulty breathing and a loss of taste and smell.

Dr. Goldman says the new variant is more likely to dodge pre-existing immunity, however, JN-1 isn’t believed to cause more serious infections or deaths.

“Even though we’re seeing a lot of infections right now, we’re seeing fewer people end up in the hospital," said Dr. Goldman.

Dr. Goldman says boosters are still highly recommended, especially for people ages 65 and older and those with prior medical conditions.

“We’re urging people to get vaccinated with the newest booster because it provides you with the best protection," expressed Dr. Goldman.

The rules also remain the same to keep others from getting sick from COVID, or other respiratory illnesses.

“If you’re sick: stay home, don’t go to work, don’t infect others," stated Dr. Goldman. "Don’t send your kids to school and don’t infect everyone at school.”

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