The latest Covid-19 variant JN.1, which has been causing a surge in new infections in the United States since September of this year, has now been found in India as well. The variation was first discovered during a normal health surveillance in Kerala, with approximately 15 cases now in Goa. 

JN.1, a descendent of the BA.2.86 variation, differs from Pirola by a single mutation in the spike protein. While it is equivalent to previous Omicron strains in terms of high transmissibility and minimal symptoms, there are some unique symptoms to be aware of because they may be more severe than previous Omicron variations.

With the ongoing increase in the number of cases every day, the Indian Union Health Ministry has encouraged states to increase Covid surveillance to avoid its spread. Given the prevalence of the variation, the health authorities suspect that it may be more transmissible or better at evading human immune systems.

Also Read: Omicron: Know The Symptoms Of The New COVID-19 Variant
And to avoid the spread of infection, it is critical to take all required precautions, such as frequent handwashing, mask use, and social distancing. Additionally, to ensure people with deadly symptoms get immediate treatment, doctors advise the general populace to learn to manage and treat the asymptomatic variety or those with milder symptoms right at home.

Well, we bring you a detailed guide on how to know what type of Covid-19 you have and self-treat yourself right at home.

How Is Covid-19 Classified?

According to WHO and CDC, and depending upon the signs and symptoms it exhibits, this highly contagious virus is usually classified into 5 different types:

• Asymptomatic
• Mild
• Moderate
• Severe
• Critical

Unlike last year with the original virus that chiefly affected older people and the ones with co-morbidities and exhibited a wide range of symptoms, the newer double and triple variants are deadly even for children, the younger generation and older healthy adults. Hence without proper knowledge of the newer variants, it is difficult to state that a healthy individual with no history of severe illness might not develop severe symptoms or an older person cannot get milder or moderate symptoms.

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How To Know What Type Of Symptoms You Have?

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), at least 80 per cent of coronavirus patients may be asymptomatic or showing mild symptoms. Since, the year 2020, the novel coronavirus has shown a variety of symptoms, the list of which has considerable expanded. But the most common symptoms still remain the same. Hence before panicking about hospitalization, review your symptoms and get tested for the SARS-CoV2 virus. The common signs and symptoms include:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Chest pain and shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Runny and stuffy nose
• Gastrointestinal infection
• Loss of sense of smell and taste

What To Do If You Are Asymptomatic?

In the scenario, if you do not notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you should get yourself tested. While you may not have any primary symptoms, you are still a carrier of the infection and may put other people's lives at risk.

What To Do If You Have Mild Symptoms?

In case you notice the above-mentioned symptoms, do get tested via the RT-PCR test to know whether you are carrying the virus. In case, you test positive, isolate yourself from others and do not come in contact with anyone for at least 14 days or until your report is negative.

Can Covid-19 Be Treated At Home?

Yes, the milder or asymptomatic variety of the novel coronavirus and the newer variants do not require immediate hospitalization and can very well be managed at home. On getting a positive Covid test, the infected individual needs to quarantine himself or herself and monitor the symptoms on a daily basis to avoid complication.

Also Read: Coronavirus: Effective Ways To Prevent The Transmission Of This Deadly Virus

How To Treat Mild or Asymptomatic Covid-19 At Home?

• Well, the first and foremost thing to keep in mind is to chalk out a plan that includes stocking up on medicine and other essential supplies for the duration of the isolation period to avoid unnecessary contact with other people. This chiefly includes loading up on clean water, pain medications to decrease headaches, body aches, and fever. People having a severe cough or other respiratory conditions like asthma should get prescribed medications and extra inhalers if required. While there have been no scientific proofs of whether or not immunity boosting herbal or natural remedies can cure COVID-19, it is important to eat nutrient-rich foods and drink fluids rich in antioxidants and also take immunity-boosting supplements containing zinc, vitamin C or ayurvedic ones containing turmeric, tulsi or ginger to keep boosting your immunity. Apart from the food and medications, one needs to have extra dry or wet tissue, a thermometer, pulse oximeter, household cleaning and sanitizing essentials, extra towels, bedsheets and clothes, and a first aid kit for minor injuries.

Also Read: COVID-19: This Is How You Clean & Disinfect Your Home To Prevent Coronavirus

• After procuring all the necessary items, stay isolated in one room with well-ventilation, away from your family and other people. This includes eating in your room and even using a separate bathroom to avoid transmission.
• Try to avoid shared space in your home as much as possible and in case of certain emergency try to stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from your family members.
• Clean often-touched surfaces in your separate room and bathroom, such as doorknobs, light switches, electronics and counters, every day with a disinfectant spray.
• Avoid sharing personal household items, such as dishes, towels, bedding and electronics.
• Wear a disposable face mask when near others and discard it every day.
• Wash your linens and beddings with disinfectant liquid to avoid the spread of germs.
• If wearing a face mask isn't possible, ensure you cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing and dispose the tissue or wash the handkerchief afterward.
• To prevent your mental health from deteriorating during the self-isolation period, keep some books, movies or other entertainment options handy.
• Last but not least frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

When To Seek Medical Help?

Even after following all the necessary steps while in isolation, you need to keep checking your temperature and oxygen levels at regular intervals to monitor any changes. Seek immediate medical consultation or reach out to a hospital if you notice the following critical symptoms:

• Trouble in breathing
• Drop-in oxygen levels
• Mental confusion or delirium
• Bluish lips
• Persistent chest pain
• Inability to stay awake