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COVID-19 has been a presence for years now, so you probably have at least some idea of what signs of the virus to look for. But the virus has changed over time—and so have COVID symptoms.
The EG.5, a.k.a. “Eris,” Variant
Nicknamed “Eris,” EG.5 is a descendent of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. It is highly contagious but does not cause more severe disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has evaluated the public health risk posed by EG.5 as low at the global level.
The BA.2.86 Variant, Nicknamed “Pirola”
BA.2.86, also known as Pirola, is another new subvariant of Omicron. It has been detected in specific locations around the globe, with only seven reported cases so far. Pirola has 34 mutations in the spike protein, which is of concern as the virus uses it to infect a person’s cells.
COVID Symptoms in 2023
So far, EG.5 seems to have the same symptoms as previous Omicron variants. These symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and conjunctivitis (pink eye).
The Need for a New Booster Vaccine
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked COVID vaccine makers to focus on using a single component in their vaccines that targets the XBB.1.5 variant, which is a descendent of Omicron. The new booster vaccine is expected to be a good match for Eris, with only a slight difference in the spike protein.
While the recommendations for the new booster vaccine are not yet available, it is recommended to listen to the official guidelines and enthusiastically support getting it. The new booster is expected to provide protection not only through the fall but also during the winter, when there may be a notable increase in COVID cases.
What to Do If You Test Positive for COVID
If you test positive for COVID, it is recommended to contact your primary care physician for guidance. Antiviral treatments like Paxlovid could help shorten the duration of your illness and lower the risk of developing serious complications from COVID, including long COVID. It is important to take antiviral medications as soon as possible after testing positive.
The CDC recommends isolating for at least five days from when you first developed symptoms of the virus. If you need to be around others, it is recommended to wear a high-quality mask. Isolation can end after day five or when you are fever-free without the use of medication.
It is important to follow isolation guidelines and stay home if you test positive for COVID-19. This not only helps protect your own health but also prevents others from getting sick.