Covid Eris: know about new variant EG.5 dominating U.S. cases

WHAT DOES THE NEW 'ERIS' VARIANT' MEAN?

The World Health Organization (WHO) designated EG.5, often referred to as "Eris" by some, as a "variant of interest," meaning that it should be monitored more closely than others due to changes that could make it more contagious or severe.

However, the WHO stated that there is "no evidence of an increase in disease severity directly associated with EG.5" and that it does not appear to pose a more significant hazard to public health than other variants.

What are the symptoms of Eris? 

According to Swartzberg, Eris' symptoms so far matched those carried on by previous coronavirus variants very closely. 

Eris, like other COVID-19-causing pathogens, can cause headaches, body pains, exhaustion, a loss of taste or smell, coughing, fever, chills, and shortness of breath.

How Fast is 'Eris' Spreading?

According to the WHO, EG.5 had been discovered in more than 50 nations as of August 8. According to the CDC, it is the most prevalent and rapidly expanding COVID-19 subvariant in the United States and is thought to be responsible for around 17% of all current COVID cases.

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 have increased by more than 40% since their June lows, although they are still more than 90% below their highest levels from the Omicron epidemic in January 2022. based on CDC data.

ARRIVAL DATE FOR THE NEW BOOSTER?

Moderna (MRNA.O), Novavax (NVAX.O), and Pfizer (PFE.N)/BioNTech SE (22UAy.DE) have all upgraded their vaccines to target another Omicron sublineage, XBB.1.5, which is more similar to the numerous circulating strains of the virus.

EG.5 is comparable to XBB.1.5, despite the fact that the more recent subvariant has a mutation in its spike protein—the area of the virus that the vaccine targets.

According to CDC estimations, XBB.1.5 emerged in late 2022 and was still infecting people and causing more than 10% of infections as of August 5. In a recent interview, Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the CDC, stated that she anticipates the new vaccines to be widely accessible in the United States by the third or fourth week of September.

Is a vaccine available?

 even if there isn't a specialized vaccine that targets this subvariant, conventional immunizations will still shield against serious illness from any variant. please visit online resources provided by the CDC, WHO, and your local public health department to stay informed on the latest news. Always talk to your doctor for professional medical advice.

what needs to be done to avoid infections?

Healthy Balanced diet.

Hygienic Lifestyle.

regular vaccination.

wearing Mask.

Avoiding public places.

Foods to Eat If You Have ERis?

Vitamin D: Vitamin D may help protect your lungs during a novel coronavirus infection by disrupting viral attachment in your body. Several foods are rich in vitamin D, including cod liver oil, salmon, herring, and some wild mushrooms.

Carotenoids and vitamin A: Vitamin A is a carotenoid that may help provide powerful protection against infections, including COVID-19. Food sources include liver, dark green leafy vegetables, and pigmented vegetables such as sweet potatoes and carrots

Zinc: Zinc is an essential mineral with anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit people with COVID-19. Rich food sources include ground beef, cashews, and hemp seeds.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fats are known for their anti-inflammatory health benefits and may help treat COVID-ERIS. Foods rich in omega-3 fats include salmon, sardines, and chia seeds.

Chia seeds: 6 grams per 100 grams

Soybean, dry-roasted: 1.4 grams per 100 grams

Sardines, canned: 498 mg per 100 grams

Cod liver oil: 935 mg per tablespoon

King mackerel: 159 mg per 100 grams

Flaxseed: 23 grams per 100 grams

Walnuts: 9 grams per 100 grams

Salmon: 113 mg per 100 grams

vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant vitamin that supports immune health in people of all ages

Guava, raw: 253% of the DV

Acerola (West Indian cherry): 1,867% of the DV

Kiwi, raw: 103% of the DV

Cauliflower, raw: 54% of the DV

Canned tomatoes: 14% of the DV

Potato, with skin: 13% of the DV

Sweet pepper, red: 142% of the DV

Papaya, raw: 68% of the DV

Vitamin C is also an antioxidant vitamin that supports immune health and is known to reduce the risk of pneumonia. This nutrient shows promise as a treatment for COVID-ERis, and more research is currently underway.

Conclusion

There will continue to be new variants arising—that’s how virus evolution works—but they are not likely to pose major problems like prior variants because of the level of immunity in the population that guards against severe disease,