Since the emergence of COVID-19, the virus has mutated many times. By 2023, the most widespread variant is EG.5 (also known as COVID Eris), which already accounts for more than 17% of new COVID cases in the United States and is expected to continue growing. So it’s understandable to have questions about how to test and what new symptoms the 2023 coronavirus variant has.
What is the EG.5 variant of the new coronavirus, also known as the new coronavirus Eris?
COVID Eris is a descendant of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, explained William Schaffner, an infectious disease physician and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. “Think of Omicron as the ‘grandfather’ of Eris,” he said. “Coronavirus Eris is highly contagious, just like Omicron, but it doesn’t cause more severe disease. That’s very, very good.”. The World Health Organization (WHO) ruled on the presence of Eris, stating in a preliminary risk assessment that “the risk to public health from EG.5 is assessed globally as low”.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19 in 2023?
So far, Eris “appears to be very similar in terms of symptoms,” said Thomas Russo, MD, a professor and director of infectious diseases at the University at Buffalo in New York. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these may include:
- fever or chills
- cough
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- fatigue
- muscle or body pain
- Headache
- new loss of taste or smell
- sore throat
- stuffy or runny nose
- Conjunctivitis
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea
“Most people get an upper respiratory infection, but some people get a more serious illness, a lower respiratory infection,” Dr. Russo said. “Some people experience non-respiratory symptoms, such as diarrhoea.”
“Conjunctivitis is the symptom most different from COVID 19”Dr. Schaffner said.
Overall, Dr. Russo said that the new coronavirus Eris is “similar to other Omicron variants in terms of symptoms.” However, andYes Patients with COVID-19 Eris are less likely to experience loss of taste and smell, Dr. Russo said.
Do we need a new corona booster vaccine in 2023?
In June, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it would require COVID-19 vaccine makers to focus their vaccines on a single ingredient that targets the XBB.1.5 variant of the coronavirus, a descendant of Omicron.
“New reinforcements will be a good mix against Corona Ellis”Dr Russo said. “It’s just a difference of two amino acids in the protein.” Dr. Russo therefore recommends waiting until September, when the new vaccine is expected to be released.
If you are considered at high risk for serious complications from COVID-19, there are several options to consider, Dr. Russo said. “You have to be very careful that you don’t go to any event where you can’t wear a mask. Of course, it’s better to wait and get the new vaccine booster when it becomes available”, suggestion. “However, if you’re at high risk and you’re about to host an event where you know you won’t be wearing a mask and you have to attend, it’s better to bolster yourself by getting vaccinated early rather than not getting vaccinated at all.”
While Dr. Schaffner acknowledged that COVID-19 is like a mild illness, he stressed that “mild” means something different to the medical community than to others. “‘Mild’ means you don’t need to be hospitalized,” he said. “If you get coronavirus Eris, you’re going to feel bad for at least two or three days. Not everyone who gets coronavirus is like, ‘Wow, that’s mild,’ because the symptoms are still very uncomfortable.”
Dr. Schaffner points out that the new crown vaccine booster will not only provide protection in the fall. “This will help prevent severe disease in winter,” he said. “This is where we expect a significant increase in COVID-19 cases.”
What to do if you test positive for COVID-19
If you test positive for COVID-19 Eris or COVID-19 EG.5 in 2023, Dr. Russo recommends that you contact your primary care physician who will provide you with the appropriate treatment for your specific situation.
recommend Self-isolate for at least five days since you first developed symptoms of the virus. Wearing a good quality mask is recommended if you need to be around other people. Quarantine can end after the fifth day or when there is no more fever without the use of medication.
Dr. Schaffner admits ‘Not everyone is quarantining correctly’ When it comes to following quarantine guidelines. “They’re going back to the usual way of doing things, which I don’t approve of,” he added.
So if you test positive for any variant of COVID-19, it is best to stay home, both for your health and to help prevent others from getting sick.
Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general health, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, whose work has appeared in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, SELF, Glamour, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University, lives by the sea, and hopes to one day own a teacup pig and a taco truck.