26 August 2023 , 15:31
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A doctor has described key symptoms of the new Covid mutation that is worrying scientists - Eris.
Formally called EG.5, its nickname scarily comes from the Greek goddess of strife and discord. But it's not the name that's got the experts concerned but the speed in which it's spreading.
It's already the dominant coronavirus in the US and has surpassed the XBB.1.16 (Arcturus) strain in terms of how transmissible it is. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates, Eirs was responsible for 20.6 percent of cases of coronavirus in the US in the third week of August, which was more than any other strain.
Thankfully it doesn't look like the severity of the disease is any worse compared to other variants.
Scott Roberts, MD, : “I am not aware of data that suggests EG.5 leads to worse cases of COVID-19 compared to prior variants."
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The dreaded two lines of a positive Covid test (In Pictures via Getty Images)The good doctor also explained everything that you need to know about this strain
Although not much different compared to recent strains, the devil is in the details. First identified in February this year, it has one new mutation in its spike protein which may allow it to avoid immunity after infection or vaccination.
“Similar to all variants that have arisen, there is some extra degree of immune evasiveness because of a slight difference in genotype,” says Dr Roberts.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Eris as a “variant of interest,” which warns countries to monitor it more closely than other strains. The new variant is likely behind an uptick in hospitalisations due to Covid.
A health worker waits for people to take swab samples to test for Covid-19 (AFP via Getty Images)In the first week of August, the CDC noted a 14.3 per cent rise in COVID-related hospitalisations. Although concerning, this uptick is much lower than in previous summers.
“These summer COVID-19 spikes have occurred for the past three years, most likely because more people are travelling,” says Dr. Roberts.
The symptoms of Eris are similar to previous strains of Covid. It tends to hit the upper respiratory tract, causing a runny nose, , and other cold-like symptoms, as opposed to lower respiratory tract symptoms, Dr. Roberts explained.
As beforeBut people 65 or older or who have a weak immune system are at higher risk of the virus travelling to the lower respiratory tract, causing severe illness.
A Covid test being administered in New York City (Getty Images)Although everyone is enjoying their summer for now, winter is coming and without could come the long feared 'tripledemic' of SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Although preventative protection, including vaccines, is getting better each year. However, taking personal precautions, especially if you are at higher risk for severe disease because you are 50 and older, are immunocompromised, or have underlying medical conditions.
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Those concerned should avoid people who are sick and wear masks when among people in confined spaces.
On top of this Dr Roberts says: "COVID-19 vaccination is the most effective tool for prevention,”