In the first press conference of 2024 held on January 10, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) said that COVID risk is still high. "Although Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency, the virus is still circulating, changing, and killing," the UN health agency s chief said in the media briefing on global health issues. WHO had declared an end to COVID as an international public health emergency in May 2023, more than three years on from when the virus was first detected in Wuhan, China, in late 2019.
Winter is a delightful season for veggie lovers, but those who have a less resilient immune system feel the opposite. The cold and windy air harbours several pathogens putting human beings at risk of infection. Given the growing cases of COVID and the prevalence of common cold and flu during this season it is important to know the signs of the infection. Knowing the symptoms of a disease is crucial for early detection and timely intervention. Prompt recognition allows individuals to seek medical help, receive appropriate treatment, and prevent the spread of the illness. Early diagnosis improves outcomes, enhances the effectiveness of treatment, and can potentially save lives by addressing health concerns in their early stages.
COVID variants HV.1 and JN.1 are emerging strains causing concern. HV.1, an Omicron spin-off, dominates in the US but shows no increased threat. JN.1, derived from Pirola, appears in the UK, US, Iceland, Portugal, and Spain, displaying greater immune evasion. Both share common symptoms—fever, cough, fatigue, nasal issues—with JN.1 adding diarrhea and headaches. While no unique symptoms are identified, caution and testing are crucial in understanding and managing these evolving strains.