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With lockdowns a thing of the past, COVID-19 may not be at the forefront of everyone’s minds – but it is continuing to spread. And as long as it does so, mutations of the virus, often referred to as different variants, will continue to emerge. Here we look at what we know about the two new strains, Eris and Pirola.
As a virus spreads from person to person, its genetic make-up gradually changes. This mutation process helps to ensure the virus can survive, to allow it to continue spreading and reproducing.
Since it emerged, COVID-19 has continued to mutate into many different variants, which has enabled it to evade immune responses and vaccines. So even though getting your jabs will prevent against serious illness, they may not always stop you from getting the virus. However, your symptoms will be milder.
One of the newest COVID-19 variants – called EG.5.1 or Eris – emerged in the UK over the summer. First classified as a variant by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 9th August1, it is a descendent of the Omicron variant which first appeared in November 2021 and has had many sub-variants.
Eris is now the second most common variant in the UK2 and the most prevalent in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)3.
Currently, there is no evidence to suggest Eris causes any new COVID-19 symptoms. The symptoms we are aware of include – fever, aches and pains, a continuous cough, changes in taste and/or smell, tiredness, runny nose and a sore throat.
Although hospital admissions for COVID-19 have risen over the summer4, the WHO has said the public health risk posed by Eris is low. The rise in cases and hospital admissions have been attributed to waning immunity and a rise in indoor mixing because of the wet weather.
Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency, said in a statement: “The latest data shows that COVID-19 cases continue to rise. To help combat the spread of the virus, we continue to advise that anyone with symptoms of a respiratory infection should try to stay at home and away from others – especially those who are vulnerable.
“Hospitalisations are also increasing, but still remain at very low levels. ICU admissions have increased in this week’s report, but remain extremely low.”
The best way to protect yourself from any COVID-19 variant is to keep up-to-date with your booster vaccinations, as this protects you against severe disease.
The majority of people who are infected with coronavirus experience a mild or asymptomatic disea…
Another COVID-19 variant called BA.2.86 or Pirola is also spreading5. Like Eris, Pirola is another sub-variant of Omicron. This variant was detected in the UK on 18th August and has also been identified in Israel, Denmark and the US.
The symptoms of Pirola are similar to other COVID-19 variants and include – fever, aches and pains, a continuous cough, changes in taste and/or smell, tiredness, runny nose and a sore throat.
Experts have noted that Pirola has many genetic differences from previous versions of COVID-196.
Because this variant has more mutations, it may be more likely to cause ‘breakthrough infections’ – where people still get infected with the virus despite being fully vaccinated. However, being vaccinated prevents serious illness if you do catch COVID-19.
It is too soon to know whether the Pirola variant will cause more severe illness compared with previous variants, according to the CDC. At the moment, though, there’s no evidence to suggest it’s more dangerous.
It’s important to get your vaccines to prevent against serious illness with any variant of COVID-19.
Get your COVID-19 vaccinations.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
Wear a mask in public.
Avoid other people if you have symptoms or get a positive result after doing a test.
Test yourself if you have symptoms.
Let fresh air into your home.
Are you protected against flu?
See if you are eligible for a free NHS flu jab today.
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Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.
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Patient aims to help the world proactively manage its healthcare, supplying evidence-based information on a wide range of medical and health topics to patients and health professionals.
Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. Read our editorial policy.
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