Title: Understanding COVID-19 Subvariant EG.5 ‘Eris’: New Covid Variant Symptoms and Trends
According to the CDC, the new COVID-19 subvariant EG.5 presently accounts for the majority of cases in the United States. Doctors frequently treat upper respiratory conditions like sore throats, coughs, congestion, and runny noses despite the absence of data on the new variation. Other COVID-19 symptoms, such as loss of taste and smell, are less prevalent with more recent versions.
After a Peaceful Summer, COVID-19 Picks Up Momentum
After a peaceful summer, COVID-19 looks to be picking up steam once more in the United States, with the most recent subvariant EG.5 (Eris) driving up cases and hospitalizations all throughout the nation.
EG.5: Dominant Subvariant in the U.S.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) most recent variant proportion estimates, the majority of COVID-19 cases in the United States—or just over 20% of all illnesses—are caused by EG.5. Additionally, hospitalizations are beginning to rise. According to the most recent data, as of August 19, there were 15,067 new COVID hospitalizations, which represents a 19% rise from the prior week.
Symptoms of EG.5: What Doctors are Observing
One question appears to spring to mind immediately, as it does with the majority of novel COVID variants and subvariants: “What are the new covid variant symptoms?” Although it is doubtful that any COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of variant, will significantly change, it is currently impossible to determine whether symptoms are unique to EG.5. However, as the new subvariant spreads across the U.S., below are some recent observations made by doctors.
What Are EG.5’s Symptoms?
Despite the lack of solid evidence on the symptoms patients are now having, doctors have anecdotally reported that COVID-19 symptoms are typically mild or frequent. According to Kristina K. Bryant, MD, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist with Norton Children’s Infectious Diseases, the majority of the patients she sees have symptoms that are comparable to the previous Omicron subvariant.
Upper respiratory issues such a sore throat, cough, congested nose, and runny nose make up the majority of these symptoms. According to Bryant, “some people even said they thought they had allergies.” But EG.5 is worth monitoring. The major subvariant is this one.
Common COVID-19 Symptoms
People with COVID-19 experience a variety of symptoms, ranging from minor disease to severe illness. The following are the most typical symptoms:
- Cold or fever
- Cough
- Respiratory issues or shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Body or muscle aches
- Headache
- New changes in flavor or odor
- Unwell throat
- Runny or congested nose
- Nausea or diarrhea
Less Frequent Symptoms Today
Throughout the pandemic, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has undergone mutations, making some symptoms more frequent and others less frequent. However, the virus still mostly affects the respiratory system in general. According to William Schaffner, MD, professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, “the picture of COVID (the clinical presentation) seems to be pretty much the same from beginning to end and it resembles influenza and RSV.” “This virus has a major negative effect on the respiratory system, especially the lungs, and the lung has a limited range of responses.”
Changes in Symptom Patterns
Taste and odor loss were frequent symptoms of the virus when it first appeared in 2020. More than three years later, the prevalence of that particular ailment in the general population has dramatically diminished. The chance of losing one’s sense of taste and smell from recent COVID-19 omicron variations is 6-7%, according to recent research published in the journal Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery, and going ahead, it’s possible that loss of taste and smell will no longer be a reliable indicator of a COVID-19 diagnosis.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Additionally, it appears that gastrointestinal problems including diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea are becoming less frequent over time.
Decrease in MIS-C Cases
Less cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) have also been recorded by doctors. According to the CDC, 1 in roughly 3,000 to 4,000 children and adolescents who had SARS-CoV-2 infection in 2020 developed MIS-C. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the condition has grown less common. According to Schaffner, the decline in MIS-C may be attributable to the fact that many kids have been exposed to COVID-19 or have received vaccinations.
New Covid Variant Symptoms & The Importance of COVID-19 Testing
Testing remains crucial for accurate diagnosis, particularly for individuals experiencing respiratory issues or those at higher risk due to underlying health conditions or pregnancy. Positive cases can benefit from the medication Paxlovid, which aids in preventing severe illness. Additionally, experts recommend the updated vaccine based on the XBB variant to mitigate the risk of severe outcomes associated with EG.5.
Understanding the Evolution of SARS-CoV-2
It’s important to keep in mind that SARS-CoV-2 will probably continue to change, and that some varieties will make some years worse than others in terms of symptoms and illness severity. “Like with flu, some years we have a bad flu season and we have some people with just mild [cold-like] symptoms while others develop severe lower respiratory tract problems,” Bryant added. “I believe that in the long run, we will observe the same with SARS-CoV-2; some seasons will be worse than others.”
How to protect yourself from EG.5
The COVID-19 prevention tactics that we all mastered back in 2020 are still the best ways to protect yourself and others from EG.5:
- Be vigilant about handwashing
- Consider masking up when in a crowded indoor public space
- Test yourself for COVID-19 if you’re exhibiting symptoms (you can still buy at-home tests or get tested at your local urgent care or pharmacy)
- Stay away from others if you have symptoms that you think could be EG.5
It’s also smart to keep up with the lifestyle habits that support your immune system and overall health, such as eating a well-balanced diet that includes immunity foods, getting regular exercise, staying properly hydrated, and prioritizing sleep.