COVID cases are rising, and Eris (EG.5) is now the dominant offshoot of the omicron variant. Learn about its characteristics and how to lower your risk.

What to Know About ‘Eris,’ the Latest COVID Variant

The Eris Variant: What We Know About EG.5

A new coronavirus variant has been detected, known as the EG.5, or eris, variant. Currently the most prevalent and fast-spreading variant in the U.S., EG.5 is causing an estimated 17% of new COVID-19 cases in the country. Here’s what we currently know about EG.5, so you can stay informed and keep your family safe. After many months of declining numbers, the U.S. is experiencing a late-summer COVID-19 surge. Cases and hospitalizations are once again increasing, and so is the presence of what’s being called Eris (officially EG.5), a new version of the coronavirus that recently eclipsed the former top runner, Arcturus (XBB.1.16).

The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows EG.5 accounts for 20.6 percent of COVID infections, while a strain known as FL.1.5.1 is responsible for 13.3 percent of cases. An alphabet soup of other omicron variant spinoffs make up the rest of current infections.

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What You Should Know

This particular coronavirus variant is a subvariant of the omicron variant and causes symptoms similar to those caused by other omicron subvariants. The most common symptoms of EG.5 include:

Although it’s new and spreading quickly, this variant is not a sign to panic, as experts say it’s no more dangerous than previous variants of the virus that have been circulating in the U.S. over the last six months. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared EG.5 to be a variant of interest, though they believe it poses a low public health risk at the global level.

Also see: Why You Should Go to the ER for Covid-19 Test

Precautions You Can Take

Like with all illnesses, frequent and thorough hand-washing is one of the best steps you can take to prevent EG.5. Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, mouth or nose. Additional preventive measures you can take include:

If you're concerned you or a family member might have COVID-19, take a COVID-19 test, reach out to your local primary care provider or reserve a treatment time online for a COVID-19 test or care at your nearest ER of Texas Emergency Room Emergency Care location.

Vaccines are more than 90% effective at preventing you from hospitalization due to COVID-19, making them the best protection against the virus. With an updated booster designed to target newer coronavirus variants expected to be available by the end of September, we encourage you to take a proactive approach to your health care and get your booster once it’s available.

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Your Guide to Whole Health

Remember, this blog provides general information and should not replace professional medical advice. If you’re unsure if your symptoms may be related to COVID-19, it’s always best to take safety measures. Stay home if you’re not feeling well to prevent the spread of infection and contact your health care provider if you’re experiencing concerning symptoms. For more information on COVID-19, visit or call our Closest Emergency Room for the immediate medical help. We have board-certified physicians, nurses and staff to help you recover and give appropriate treatment and medical advice.

We have ER locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area that are open and here to help you 24/7 If you or your family have a medical emergency.

We have 9 facilities spread across the DFW area with average wait times of less than 10 mins that are OPEN 24/7 located in Hurst, Colleyville, Frisco, Highland Village, Hillcrest, Uptown, Little Elm, Mansfield, and Texoma.

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