A new COVID-19 variant, Eris (EG.5.1), has emerged and become the second most prevalent variant in the UK. The variant has been rapidly spreading in recent weeks, and it is now responsible for one in seven new COVID-19 cases in the country.
Eris is a descendant of the Omicron variant, and it shares many of the same characteristics. However, Eris has a number of mutations that may make it more transmissible than previous variants. This is a concern, as it could lead to another wave of COVID-19 cases in the UK.
Another concern is that Eris may be able to evade the immune system more easily than previous variants. This is because Eris has mutations that target the spike protein, which is the part of the virus that the immune system recognizes. This means that people who have been vaccinated or previously infected with COVID-19 may still be susceptible to Eris.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is monitoring the situation closely, and they will provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, it is important to follow the public health guidance, such as wearing a mask, social distancing, and getting vaccinated.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the Eris variant:
- The symptoms of Eris are similar to those of other COVID-19 variants, and they include runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing, and sore throat.
- There is no evidence that Eris is more severe than other COVID-19 variants. However, it is still important to get vaccinated and boosted to protect yourself from the virus.
- The Eris variant is likely to continue to spread in the UK and other countries. It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest information about the virus and to follow the public health guidance.
