on the rise: What we...

months.

“Notably, it contains one particular mutation that is known to evade some of the immunity that you get after an infection or vaccination,” Pekosz says.

While there’s no need to panic, Pekosz suggests those susceptible to severe COVID-19 such as the elderly and those with medical conditions should take care not to dismiss respiratory symptoms. Like in previous variants, EG.5 symptoms include headache, cough, fever, fatigue, and muscle aches.

“Its disease potential appears to be exactly the same as other variants’ as well. The antivirals currently available should work against it,” adds Pekosz. “And the diagnostic tests, both the at-home rapid tests as well as tests that you get at medical facilities, all should recognize this variant quite well.”

With EG.5 closely related to XBB variants, the new COVID-19 vaccine targeting the XBB 1.5 variant set for a fall rollout is expected