The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently raised concerns about a new Covid-19 variant known as EG.5 or "Eris." This variant is a descendant of the XBB group of coronavirus strains, which originated from the omicron variant in late 2021. According to the WHO, Eris accounted for around 17.4% of global cases in the week ending July 23, a significant increase compared to just 7.6% four weeks earlier. It has also become the most common strain in the United States, according to estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Despite its rapid spread, Eris is currently considered to pose a low risk to global public health. Although it appears to be better at evading immune defenses, there is no evidence to suggest that it causes more severe disease than other variants. The CDC has also stated that there is no evidence to suggest that Eris spreads more easily than its predecessors. Existing vaccines and treatments are still expected to remain effective against this variant. In fact, updated booster shots targeting the XBB family of strains, to which Eris belongs, will soon be available.
The symptoms caused by Eris are similar to those caused by other strains of the virus, including a runny nose, headache, fatigue, sore throat, and sneezing. However, older individuals or those with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions may be at a higher risk of experiencing more severe effects, such as lower respiratory disease, chest pain, and shortness of breath. It is crucial for individuals who suspect they may be infected to get tested, as the virus continues to claim hundreds of lives each week in the US.
While there is a rise in hospitalizations related to Covid-19 in several countries, including the US, the WHO has stated that there is no evidence linking these hospitalizations to new strains. Experts believe that other factors are contributing to the increase, such as extreme heat leading to more indoor gatherings, reduced mask-wearing, and waning immunity among individuals who have not received a vaccine or been previously infected.
In terms of preparedness, the US has scaled back its response to Covid-19 in recent months. The government is no longer purchasing vaccines and treatments for the public, and free tests are not as readily available. However, experts assure that the US is unlikely to experience the same level of surge in cases as seen in the early years of the pandemic. Thanks to widespread vaccination and prior infections, there is significant protection against severe disease. Additionally, antiviral drugs like Pfizer's Paxlovid can help reduce the risk of hospitalization and death if administered early on. Hospital admissions, even with recent increases, remain lower than at any other point since August 2020, according to CDC data.
To protect oneself, it is important to stay informed about the availability of new booster vaccines, especially for vulnerable individuals. If high-risk individuals anticipate being in situations with likely exposure, such as large gatherings, considering a booster shot of an older vaccine is recommended. Regardless, wearing masks continues to be crucial in preventing infection. Covid-19 testing services and at-home tests are still available at pharmacies, and if high-risk individuals develop symptoms, a test can help determine whether Paxlovid treatment should be initiated.