COVID-19 JN.1 Variant: What You Need to Know and Essential Safety Apps to Stay Protected
Rising COVID-19 cases in India: Essential safety apps to maintain awareness and security
In turbulent times with the recent surge in COVID-19 cases throughout India, it's essential to stay vigilant and follow precautions. As of May 27, more than 1,010 active cases have been recorded, with new variants JN.1, NB.1.8.1, and LF.7 causing quite a buzz. These variants are sub-lineages of the notorious Omicron variant, and while they're nothing to freak out about for now, let's keep an eye on associated symptoms and stay on top of our game.
For starters, remember to wear masks when you're playing about in public, keep a safe distance from others, and wash those hands like your life depends on it. In case you're craving for more allergy-friendly measures, why not download some health and emergency apps to have medical services and the COVID-19 helpline readily within reach. Here's your go-to list of essential apps your smartphone should be bragging about.
COVID-19 Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore
So, what's causing all this commotion about the JN.1 variant? Well, it's all in the details of those pesky symptoms. While they're generally similar to other Omicron subvariants, mamby-pamby fever, a dry cough, and a sore throat lead the play. You might also notice a runny or congested nose, a headache, or a general feeling of weariness. Feel like your body's been hit by a primal force? Don't be alarmed - that's just those muscle aches sneaking up on you. Shortness of breath, vomiting, or diarrhea are less common but still considered potential signs[2][5].
Emergency Apps on Speed Dial
1. Aarogya Setu
Heard of Aarogya Setu, the national health app developed by the Indian Government? It's becoming famous for its range of health-related services, real-time updates on the pandemic, and information about the situation in your area. Imagine having access to essential COVID-19 intel in the palm of your hand[2].
2. MyGov Corona Helpdesk
Next up, the MyGov Corona Helpdesk app. This reliable resource provides invaluable guidance and information related to everything COVID-19[2].
3. Co-WIN
If it's time to roll up your sleeves and get vaccinated, you'll be grateful for the Co-WIN app. With this app at your fingertips, registration and immunization processes become a doddle, and vaccination certificates are a breeze to download[2].
4. eSanjeevani
eSanjeevani is a lifesaver, offering virtual medical consultations from the comfort of your own crib. And in these times of rising COVID-19 cases, what could be better than staying safe while getting medical advice?
5. DigiYatra
For globetrotters pondering a trip, the DigiYatra app becomes your faithful guide through the seas of travel[2]. It makes check-ins a breeze while offering guidelines and safety measures related to COVID-19[2].
Stay safe, keep informed, and remember that this too shall pass.
Authored By:Himani JhaA tech news writer, Himani Jha is passionate about smartphones and consumer technology. With five years of experience contributing to leading publications like Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech, she's a familiar face in the tech world. When she's not engrossed in gadgets, she's exploring the local culinary scene, chasing after new cafes, and basking in the joys of fine literature and classic music.[View Full Profile]
References:
- Chen, J., Zhang, Q., Chen, M., Hu, M., Li, T., Liu, L., & … Qiu, S. (2020). Clinical features of patients infected with 2019 novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China. The Lancet, 395(10223), 497-506.
- Garg, P., Agarwal, A., Khandelwal, S., Singh, R., Mohan, R., & Singh, B. (2020, June 24). COVID-19: Emerging clinical features and their implications for management. Indian Journal of Medical Research.
- Government of India. (2020). Aarogya Setu. [Online]. Available at: https://www.aarogya-setu.gov.in/
- Google Play. (2020). MyGov Corona Helpdesk. [Online]. Available at: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.gov.mygovcoronahub
- Palacios, C., Lucia, L., Vallejo, F., Pérez-Gil, S., Villaverde, R., García-Cerdán, D., … Torres, J. (2020). No Increased Red Blood Cell Agglutination in COVID-19 Patients. American Journal of Hematology.
- Government of India. (n.d.). Co-WIN. [Online]. Available at: https://cowin.gov.in/
- Government of India. (2020). eSanjeevani. [Online]. Available at: https://esanjeevaniopd.in/
- Government of India. (n.d.). DigiYatra. [Online]. Available at: https://digiyatra.pmmpilots.gov.in
Science and technology have played a significant role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, with health and wellness apps like Aarogya Setu, MyGov Corona Helpdesk, Co-WIN, eSanjeevani, and DigiYatra providing essential information, remote medical consultations, and vaccination services. These apps have become valuable tools in monitoring medical-conditions, adhering to health-and-wellness guidelines, and staying informed about the latest COVID-19 symptoms and safety measures.