The Latest on the New COVID Variant Eris
As we enter 2023, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve. The latest variant of concern is known as Eris, which emerged in late 2022. Eris has caused a new wave of infections globally, but thankfully its symptoms appear to be less severe compared to past variants. In this article, we’ll explore what's known so far about Eris, including its symptoms and how it compares to previous variants like Omicron and Delta.
Key Features of the Eris Variant
Eris is classified as an Omicron subvariant, meaning it is genetically related to Omicron but with some new mutations. Some key things to know about Eris:
- Eris is more transmissible than previous variants, leading to rapid surges in cases.
- However, Eris seems to cause less severe illness and lower rates of hospitalization and death.
- Vaccines still provide protection against severe disease and death with Eris, although infections may occur more frequently.
- Eris has mutations that help it partially evade immunity from vaccines and prior infection.
While Eris spreads rapidly, data so far indicates it is less likely to cause serious illness compared to earlier variants. However, experts say it’s still vitally important to get vaccinated and take precautions, as Eris can lead to hospitalization and death in vulnerable groups.
Common Symptoms of the Eris Variant
The symptoms caused by Eris are broadly similar to those seen in earlier variants. Common symptoms include:
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Congestion and runny nose
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fever
- Sneezing
However, people infected with Eris appear less likely to lose sense of taste and smell compared to previous variants. Eris also seems to cause less lung infection and shortness of breath compared to Delta and previous waves.
Milder Symptoms Overall
In general, the symptoms caused by Eris are turning out to be milder on average compared to past variants. Fewer people are experiencing severe symptoms that require hospitalization. There are several reasons experts cite for Eris causing milder illness:
- High rates of immunity from vaccination and previous infection are preventing severe disease.
- Eris replicates more in upper airways rather than deep in the lungs, which may cause less severe symptoms.
- Mutations like R346T appear to make Eris bind less efficiently to lung cells.
Despite its seemingly higher transmissibility, Eris does appear intrinsically less likely to cause severe disease compared to variants like Delta. However, older adults and those with underlying conditions are still at risk for severe illness with Eris.
Is Eris More Likely to Cause “Long COVID”?
Research is still emerging on whether Eris causes lingering “long COVID” symptoms more often than other variants. Some early studies suggest a lower risk of long COVID with Omicron variants, while others show a similar risk compared to Delta and earlier variants.
Factors that may influence long COVID risk with Eris include:
- Vaccination status - Vaccines may help lower long COVID risk
- Reinfections - Repeated infections may raise risk of post-viral complications
- Individual risk factors like age and health status
For now, it’s wise to be cautious and not assume long COVID is less likely with an Eris infection, as more research is still needed.
How Eris Compares to Other Variants
Eris is the latest descendant in the Omicron family of variants. Here’s how it compares to past dominant strains:
- Delta - Eris spreads faster but causes less severe symptoms than Delta
- Omicron BA.1/BA.2 - Eris is more transmissible than these earlier Omicron strains
- Omicron BA.5 - Eris evades immunity from BA.5 infection better but appears similarly mild
Eris has outcompeted its Omicron cousins, demonstrating its higher contagiousness. But this increased transmissibility has not been matched by increased severity. Vaccines continue providing protection against the worst outcomes with Eris.
Reinfections May Be More Common
Due to its mutations helping it evade immunity, reinfections are more likely with Eris compared to past strains. Previous Omicron infection does not appear to provide robust, long-lasting protection against reinfection with Eris.
Experts say there are a few reasons Eris is better able to lead to reinfections:
- The R346T mutation helps Eris evade neutralizing antibodies
- A shorter period of immune protection is conferred by Omicron infection
- Eris spreads rapidly and outcompetes other variants
However, vaccination continues to provide good protection against severe illness upon reinfection. Getting boosted remains vital even after prior bouts of COVID-19, especially with Eris now dominant.
How Concerning are Eris Subvariants Like BE.1.1?
Within the Eris variant, new sublineages like BE.1.1 have emerged. These newer strains demonstrate even higher transmissibility than Eris, causing new waves of infections regionally.
Key things to know about Eris subvariants:
- No data so far indicates BE.1.1 causes more severe disease than Eris
- BE.1.1 evades immunity from Eris infection and appears very contagious
- Subvariants like BE.1.1 are quickly gaining ground, but vaccines still work
While subvariants represent an evolution of Eris, current COVID vaccines still protect well against severe disease. However, experts warn reinfections and surges are likely as new subvariants overtake Eris in dominance.
The Importance of Vaccination
While Eris represents a very contagious variant, experts say getting vaccinated and boostered remains critical to protect against the worst outcomes. The key benefits of vaccination against Eris include:
- Preventing hospitalization and death
- Reducing risk of long COVID complications
- Protecting elderly and high risk groups
- Blunting infection surges and waves
COVID vaccines continue working well against severe disease, even with new variants like Eris. Everyone is advised to get their recommended vaccine doses and boosters to protect themselves and vulnerable groups as new variants spread.
Recommendations for Boosters Against Eris
Because of Eris' ability to evade immunity, COVID booster shots are especially important. Here are the latest recommendations:
- Everyone age 6 months and up should get boosted after completing their primary vaccine series
- First booster is recommended 3+ months after last primary series dose
- Second boosters are advised for those 50+ and people with weakened immune systems
- Updated bivalent boosters target Eris and provide broad protection
Staying up to date with the recommended boosters provides optimal protection against Eris and new subvariants. Bivalent vaccine boosters have been formulated to target Eris specifically.
Behavioral Precautions Against Eris
In addition to vaccination, other precautions are still recommended to protect against catching and spreading Eris, including:
- Wearing high quality, well-fitting masks in crowded indoor spaces
- Improving ventilation and filtration indoors
- Staying home when sick and getting tested if symptomatic
- Avoiding contact with those at high risk if infected
- Seeking treatment like antivirals if at risk for severe COVID
Layered protections including masks, improved ventilation, testing, treatment, and vaccination will be key tools for reducing disruptions from Eris and new variants that will emerge.
The Outlook Going Forward
As Eris causes renewed surges globally, experts say it’s unrealistic to think the virus will be fully eradicated at this stage of the pandemic. The goal now is to minimize disruptions, protect the most vulnerable, and prevent healthcare systems from being overwhelmed.
With Eris causing a wave of new infections but less severe outcomes overall, populations are developing higher levels of natural immunity alongside vaccination. While the virus will continue evolving, there is hope the worst impacts of the pandemic may be behind us.
However, the ongoing emergence of new variants and subvariants demonstrates that COVID-19 is here to stay. Managing COVID long-term will require sustained use of vaccines, treatments, and other mitigation measures to keep protecting public health.
The pandemic has entered a complex phase, shaped both by the adaptability of SARS-CoV-2 and by human resilience and inventiveness. But by understanding the latest science around variants like Eris, we can meet the challenges ahead with vigilance, tools, and hope.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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