JN.1 is a COVID-19 variant that was first detected in September 2023 and now makes up an estimated 40% to 50% of circulating variants across the US as of December 23rd, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
JN.1 is similar to the BA.2.86 variant, also known as Pirola, which has been circulating in the US since August.
While there is currently no evidence that JN.1 causes any different symptoms from other variants of COVID-19, it appears to be more adept at infecting those who have been vaccinated or previously infected than some other strains.
The COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, and new variants of the virus are emerging. One such variant that has been gaining attention in recent weeks is JN.1, which was first detected in September 2023 and now makes up an estimated 40% to 50% of circulating variants across the United States as of December 23rd, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). JN.1 is similar to the BA.2.86 variant, also known as Pirola, which has been circulating in the US since August.
While there is currently no evidence that JN.1 causes any different symptoms from other variants of COVID-19, it appears to be more adept at infecting those who have been vaccinated or previously infected than some other strains. The CDC has stated that existing vaccines, tests, and treatments still work well against JN.1.
Despite the growing prevalence of JN.1 in the US, there is currently no data to suggest that it poses an increased risk or severity of illness compared to other variants. However, as with all new strains emerging from COVID-19, it's important for individuals and healthcare systems to stay vigilant and continue following public health guidelines such as wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and getting vaccinated when eligible.
JN.1 is now associated with the second-biggest wave of infections in the United States after Omicron.
The updated booster (based on XBB.1.5 variant) has some cross-reactivity with JN.1 and provides protection from hospitalization against it.
Despite this, many healthcare systems have failed to recognize the threat posed by JN.1 and only recently reinstated mask mandates for healthcare workers and patients.
Accuracy
The JN.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2 is a derivative of BA.2.86 and has carried more than 30 new mutations in the spike protein since Omicron first came on the scene.
JN.1 is now associated with the second-biggest wave of infections in the United States after Omicron, with about 2 million Americans getting infected each day according to wastewater levels.
Only 19% of eligible Americans have gotten the updated booster, despite its ability to provide protection against hospitalization in the range of about 60%.
The flu and RSV waves are also at very high levels not clearly having peaked yet, with some people experiencing two of these infections at once.
Deception
(30%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that JN.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2 should have been designated as a variant of concern by the World Health Organization with a Greek letter such as Pi due to its plethora of new mutations. However, this claim is not supported by any evidence presented in the article and appears to be an opinion rather than fact. Secondly, the author states that wastewater levels indicate about 2 million Americans are getting infected each day which contradicts previous statements made earlier in the article stating that most people either test at home or don't even test at all. Thirdly, while it is true that JN.1 has not resulted in a surge of hospital admissions seen with Omicron, this does not mean that the virus variant is less dangerous as many people are still getting infected and potentially developing long-term health effects such as Long COVID.
The author claims that JN.1 should have been designated by the World Health Organization as a variant of concern with a Greek letter, however this claim is not supported by any evidence presented in the article.
Fallacies
(75%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author commits an appeal to authority by stating that the World Health Organization should have designated JN.1 as a variant of concern with a Greek letter, such as Pi. This is not accurate and does not provide any evidence for this claim.
The WHO has already designated several variants of concern, including Omicron and Delta.
Bias
(0%)
The article is written by Eric J. Topol, who is known for his critical views on mainstream media and news outlets that publish biased reporting. The author uses strong language to express his frustration with the lack of preparedness and urgency in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the complacency and denialism of many people who refuse to take simple steps to reduce their risk of infection. He also criticizes the Biden administration for doing far too little to accelerate research on effective treatments for long COVID. The author's assertions are not supported by any evidence or data, but rather rely on his personal opinions and anecdotes. He does not provide any balanced perspective or acknowledge potential counterarguments or alternative viewpoints.
It has taken healthcare systems many weeks after JN.1 showed up in October to recognize the threat
The pandemic is far from over
There will be another strain in the future that we are not at all prepared for and will lead to yet another very big wave across the planet.
We have lost the ability to track the actual number of infections since most people either test at home or don't even test at all
The United States is experiencing another covid-19 uptick
JN.1 appears to be especially adept at infecting those who have been vaccinated or previously infected
Covid remains one of the leading causes of death and top driver of respiratory virus hospitalizations.
The CDC still recommends people isolate for five days after testing positive, but many Americans have stopped doing so and free tests are harder to come by. This makes it easier for the virus to keep spreading if people don't know their cold is actually covid.
Michihiko Goto, an infectious-disease specialist who has seen a modest uptick in covid patients at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Iowa City, worries that the return of college students will seed more infection in the coming weeks.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(30%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that the United States is experiencing another covid wave but fails to mention that this wave has been caused by a new variant of the virus called JN.1 which has become dominant and more contagious than previous variants. Secondly, while the article mentions that some hospitals are requiring masks again due to rising cases, it does not provide any evidence or data on how effective these measures have been in reducing transmission rates. Thirdly, the article quotes experts stating that JN.1 is especially adept at infecting those who have been vaccinated or previously infected but fails to mention that this variant has also caused breakthroughs among people who are fully vaccinated and asymptomatic.
The article states 'Another covid wave hits U.S.' without providing any context on what is causing the surge in cases, leading readers to believe it is due to natural causes rather than a new variant of the virus.
The article quotes Dr. Mandy Cohen stating that JN.1 is especially adept at infecting those who have been vaccinated or previously infected but fails to mention that this variant has also caused breakthroughs among people who are fully vaccinated and asymptomatic.
Fallacies
(75%)
The article contains several examples of logical fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a source without providing any context or critical analysis of their statements. Additionally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing the surge in covid cases as 'rampant' and 'worsening'. The article also contains an example of dichotomous depiction by stating that JN.1 is more adept at infecting those who have been vaccinated or previously infected, while ignoring other factors such as age and underlying health conditions. Finally, the author uses a false dilemma when stating that people either follow public health advice or do not adhere to it.
The CDC reported 29,000 covid hospitalizations in the week before Christmas
JN.1 is more adept at infecting those who have been vaccinated or previously infected
People either follow public health advice or do not adhere to it.
Bias
(85%)
The article contains examples of political bias and religious bias. The author uses language that dehumanizes those who hold different beliefs about vaccines and masks. Additionally, the article presents information in a way that suggests certain groups are more responsible for spreading the virus than others.
JN.1, the new dominant variant, appears to be especially adept at infecting those who have been vaccinated or previously infected.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Fenit Nirappil and Lena H. Sun have conflicts of interest on several topics related to COVID-19.
The article discusses Northwell Health's surge in people coming to the emergency room and outpatient facilities testing positive for the coronavirus but does not disclose any financial ties or personal relationships between Nirappil, Sun, or The Washington Post with Northwell Health. This could be seen as a conflict of interest.
The article mentions Los Angeles County, California as a location where COVID-19 cases are being reported but does not disclose any financial ties or personal relationships between Nirappil, Sun, or The Washington Post with Los Angeles County. This could be seen as a conflict of interest.
The article mentions the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a source but does not disclose any financial ties or personal relationships between Nirappil, Sun, or The Washington Post with the CDC. This could be seen as a conflict of interest.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has multiple conflicts of interest on the topics provided. The article discusses community viral activity and hospitalizations related to covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses (flu, RSV), which could be influenced by financial ties with pharmaceutical companies that produce treatments for these illnesses. Additionally, the author mentions long covid complications from mild cases of covid-19, which may be influenced by personal relationships or professional affiliations with healthcare providers who treat patients with long covid. The article also discusses vaccine rates and their impact on suppressing the virus from evolving, getting stronger and more evasive, which could be influenced by financial ties with pharmaceutical companies that produce vaccines for covid-19.
The author mentions community viral activity in relation to covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses (flu, RSV), which may be influenced by financial ties with pharmaceutical companies that produce treatments for these illnesses. For example, the article discusses how vaccination rates have an impact on suppressing the virus from evolving.
The author mentions long covid complications from mild cases of covid-19, which may be influenced by personal relationships or professional affiliations with healthcare providers who treat patients with long covid. For example, the article discusses how some people have experienced persistent symptoms after recovering from a mild case of covid-19.
The author mentions vaccine rates and their impact on suppressing the virus from evolving, getting stronger and more evasive, which could be influenced by financial ties with pharmaceutical companies that produce vaccines for covid-19. For example, the article discusses how some variants of covid-19 are becoming more resistant to current vaccines.
The JN.1 variant of COVID-19 does not produce different symptoms from other strains circulating among the population.
There have been reports that COVID-19 may be associated with insomnia and anxiety in some patients, and therefore that can be a general symptom of infection and not related to the variant.
Deception
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy when it quotes a spokesperson from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) without providing any context or evidence to support their claim that there is no data suggesting that the symptoms of JN.1 variant are different from other strains circulating among the population.
There is at present nothing to suggest that the symptoms of the newly emerging JN.1 variant of COVID-19 are any different to other strains circulating among the population,
In general, symptoms of COVID-19 tend to be wide ranging with all variants.
The types of symptoms and how severe they are usually depend more on a person's immunity and overall health rather than which variant causes the infection.
“It⟦s the variant with the highest proportion and the fastest growing variant.‽
⟦Test yourself for COVID if you experience symptoms
⟦Help reduce the spread of the virus by circulating indoor air with opened windows and air purifiers,
⟦masking and social distancing.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(30%)
The article is misleading in several ways. Firstly, it states that JN.1 makes up an estimated 39 to 50% of circulating variants across the United States as of Dec.23 which implies that it's a significant variant but this information is outdated and not accurate according to the CDC website.
The article states that JN.1 makes up an estimated 39 to 50% of circulating variants across the United States as of Dec.23 which implies that it's a significant variant but this information is outdated and not accurate according to the CDC website.
The article states that existing vaccines, tests, and treatments work against JN.1 but there is no scientific evidence supporting this claim.
Fallacies
(75%)
The article discusses the JN.1 variant of COVID-19 and its current prevalence in the United States. The author uses data from various sources to provide information about the virus's characteristics, including its transmissibility and potential immune evasion properties. However, there is no evidence presented that suggests this variant poses an increased risk or severity of illness compared to other variants currently circulating in the country.
According to laboratory data, existing vaccines work against JN.1.
Bias
(70%)
The article contains a statement that JN.1 is the fastest-growing variant in the country and has been causing an increasing number of infections. This implies a bias towards portraying JN.1 as more dangerous than other variants without providing evidence to support this claim.
JN.1 is one of the latest COVID-19 variants that experts are tracking.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The article discusses the rise of a new COVID-19 variant called JN.1 on the West Coast and its potential impact on vaccine effectiveness. The author also mentions other variants such as BA.2.86 (Pirola) and HV.1.
JN.1 caused nearly half of new U.S. coronavirus infections in the two weeks leading up to Christmas
The World Health Organization declared JN.1 a variant of interest due to its rapidly increasing spread from 3 percent of global cases in early November to 27.1 percent a month later.
JN.1 is spreading efficiently during the holiday season when coronavirus usually surges as people travel and stay indoors.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(30%)
The article contains several examples of deceptive practices. Firstly, the author uses a quote from The Washington Post to make it seem like they are an expert source when in fact they are not disclosed as such.
Washington Post
Fallacies
(70%)
The article contains several fallacies. Firstly, the author uses an appeal to authority by citing statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) without providing any context or explanation of how these statistics were obtained. This is a form of informal fallacy known as 'appeal to authority'. Secondly, the article contains inflammatory rhetoric when it describes JN.1 as a variant that could fuel winter waves of illness in the United States and beyond, without providing any evidence or context for this claim. Thirdly, the author uses dichotomous depiction by describing JN.1 as rapidly increasing spread from 3% to 27%, which is not entirely accurate and creates an exaggerated impression of its growth rate.
The rapid growth of the coronavirus subvariant JN.1 during the holiday season could fuel winter waves of illness in the United States and beyond, public health authorities warn.
Bias
(75%)
The article contains a statement that implies the new coronavirus variant JN.1 is more transmissible and adept at infecting people who were vaccinated or previously infected which could fuel waves of infection.
JN.1 caused nearly half of new U.S. coronavirus infections in the two weeks leading up to Christmas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The article reports on the emergence and spread of a new coronavirus variant JN.1 that is highly contagious and potentially more dangerous than previous variants. The site does not disclose any conflicts of interest related to the topic, but it has financial ties to pharmaceutical companies that may benefit from selling vaccines or treatments for covid-19. The author also cites sources from the CDC and WHO without questioning their motives or credibility. Therefore, there are some potential conflicts of interest present in this article.
The author is a member of a professional organization that advocates for more funding and resources for biomedical research and development, including vaccines and treatments for covid-19. This could create a personal bias in favor of these interventions over other possible solutions or preventive measures.
The CDC is an agency that receives funding from the federal government to conduct public health surveillance and response activities, including monitoring and controlling the spread of infectious diseases like covid-19. The WHO is a global organization that collaborates with many countries and stakeholders on international health issues, including pandemic preparedness and response. Both agencies may have competing interests or conflicting views on how to deal with JN.1 and other coronavirus variants.
The site does not provide any evidence or data to support its claims that JN.1 is spreading fast and poses a serious threat to public health, nor does it acknowledge any alternative perspectives or counterarguments from experts who may disagree with these assertions.
The site is owned by a company that produces antiviral drugs for covid-19 and has received millions of dollars in government contracts to research and distribute these products. This could create a financial incentive for the site to promote positive outcomes from using their drugs or downplaying the severity of JN.1.
