Rising COVID Cases in India: Essential Facts About the JN.1 Variant

Is COVID-19 back? Is this new variant more dangerous than the ones we faced before? Is the nightmare we thought was over… beginning again? If these questions are flooding your mind—you’re not alone.

Across India, many are feeling a strong sense of familiarity with the situation. Masks are back in the pockets. Sanitisers are quietly coming back. And every cough, every mild fever, suddenly feels suspicious again.

After months of calm, COVID-19 is knocking once again – with new names, new mutations and old scares. The latest variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 have already been found in India, quietly spreading in Delhi, Kerala, Maharashtra and other cities. These aren't the headlines of mass panic yet—but they're enough to trigger memories we hoped to forget.

What’s the current COVID-19 situation in India?

India has officially logged about 1,010 active cases.

• Kerala: 430 
• Maharashtra: 209
• Delhi: 104 
• Gujrat: 83
• Tamil Nadu: 69
• Uttar Pradesh: 15

Source

Other states, like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat, have also reported increases in cases. While the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not labelled these as “Variants of Concern”, they have placed them under “Variants Under Monitoring”—which means scientists are watching closely… And so should you.

Which new COVID variants have emerged in 2025?

In 2025, India has seen a few new COVID-19 variants:

JN.1:

• This is currently the most common variant. 
• It spreads faster than earlier strains but hasn’t shown signs of causing more severe illness. 
• Its behaviour is similar to previous Omicron variants, mainly causing mild to moderate symptoms.

NB.1.8.1 and LF.7:

• These are sub-lineages of JN.1 found in states like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. 
• They behave much like JN.1 in terms of symptoms and severity, with no major differences noted so far. 
• Their ability to spread easily is similar, but they haven’t led to more hospitalisations or serious cases.

Experts continue to monitor these variants closely to spot any changes in how they act or affect people. For now, there’s no reason for alarm, but staying informed and cautious remains important.

What are the most common COVID-19 symptoms in 2025?

The symptoms of COVID-19 remain largely consistent with earlier strains:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhoea

Why are COVID-19 cases rising again in 2025?

Covid-19 cases in India are slowly rising again in 2025. There are some clear reasons behind this rise that are backed by expert insights and health authority statements.

Firstly, new variants of the virus are playing a major role. The most prominent among them is the Omicron subvariant JN.1, along with its sub-lineages NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, which have been found in states like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.

These variants are more contagious than earlier strains. While they don’t appear to cause more severe illness, they spread more easily from person to person. “ These newer variants are driving the spike, though they’re not more severe,” says virologist Dr T. Jacob John.

Another factor is waning immunity. Protection from earlier infections or vaccines may have faded over time. This makes people more vulnerable. Seasonal impact also plays a key role in this. The early monsoon has increased respiratory illnesses, creating favourable conditions for COVID-19 to spread.

Health officials like Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), have reassured the public that although the virus is spreading more, it is not causing more severe illness or hospitalisations. The World Health Organisation (WHO) also confirms that, globally, severity remains low.

Source1, Source2, source3

What precautions should you take to stay safe from COVID?

Staying safe from COVID-19 doesn't have to be complicated. Just take a few simple steps to make a huge difference:

• Avoid crowded, stuffy places, especially if there’s not much fresh air.
• Wear a mask when you're indoors in public or if ventilation isn't great.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitiser when you're out.
• Stay home if you're not feeling well—it helps protect others too.
• Get tested if your symptoms stick around or feel like more than a mild cold.

If you live with someone who’s at higher risk—like an elderly person, someone pregnant, or someone with a chronic illness—take a few extra steps:

• Wear a mask at home if you have symptoms.
• Let fresh air in by keeping windows open whenever possible.
• Clean surfaces you touch often, like door handles, remotes, and light switches.
• Don’t share dishes or towels. Keep your personal items to yourself.
• Close the toilet lid before flushing to help stop the virus from spreading in the air.

Final Thoughts

COVID cases are rising again—but there’s no need to panic. The JN.1 variant is spreading more easily, but it’s not causing more severe illness so far. Just stick to the basics: wear a mask in crowded places, wash your hands, and stay home if you're feeling unwell. If someone at home is at higher risk, be extra careful. We’ve handled this before, and we can do it again—calmly and together.

FAQs

Which COVID-19 variant is most common in India right now?

The JN.1 subvariant of Omicron is currently the most widespread COVID-19 strain in India.

Are the NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 variants more infectious than previous strains?

Yes, they spread more easily but don't seem more severe.

Is the JN.1 variant still the dominant strain in India?

Yes, JN.1 is still the most common variant across the country.

Are the symptoms of the NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 variants different from the earlier strains?

No, symptoms are mostly the same—fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches.

How can one differentiate between the symptoms of COVID-19 and those of a common flu or viral fever?

It's tricky without a test, but loss of taste or smell and longer symptoms may point to COVID.