B2 – Upper Intermediate
A new worry as the holiday season approaches is the JN.1 variant, a unique strain of COVID-19 that is spreading throughout the US. This article explores the most widespread symptoms that physicians are seeing in this dynamic environment right now.
Since JN.1 has surfaced, it is mandatory that we stay mindful of the unique traits of this variant to fully understand what makes it rare. Read the article to check out the symptoms linked to this novel strain and acquire important knowledge for managing the COVID-19 pandemic’s ongoing difficulties over the holiday season.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/covid-symptoms-doctors-winter_l_6582f87ae4b085747d67e8c9
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “uptick” mean in the sentence, “Behind this uptick is a new strain called JN.1, which accounted for 21.4% of cases in the United States as of Dec. 9, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”? Use this in your own sentence.
- What does “at the global level” mean in the sentence, “The World Health Organization has named JN.1 a “variant of interest,” but also noted that “the additional public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently evaluated as low at the global level.” ”? Use this in your own sentence.
- What does “red flag” mean in the sentence, “So what are the main red flags to watch for this winter? ”? Use this in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What are the most common symptoms that doctors are observing with the emergence of the JN.1 variant? Please tell me about them.
- How does the JN.1 variant differ from previous strains of COVID-19, and why is it important to be aware of these distinctions? Please elaborate.
- How can individuals stay informed about the unique traits of the JN.1 variant to better understand its impact on public health?
- What measures does the article suggest for managing and mitigating the potential risks associated with the JN.1 variant?
- Is there any information in the article about the origins or characteristics of the JN.1 variant that may be influencing its spread during the holiday season? Please share.