The EG.5 variant, also known as "Eris," has rapidly become the dominant COVID-19 strain worldwide, accounting for nearly a quarter of all cases in the United States as of late 20231 2. This subvariant is a descendant of the Omicron lineage and carries mutations that enhance its transmissibility and ability to evade immunity from prior infections and vaccinations3 2. Despite its widespread presence, EG.5 infections generally cause mild symptoms similar to earlier Omicron variants, with no clear evidence of increased severity4 2.
EG.5 Variant Symptoms
EG.5 infections primarily affect the upper respiratory tract, leading to symptoms that closely resemble those of a common cold5 2. Patients commonly experience sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, sneezing, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches6 72. Some mild symptoms may mimic allergic reactions, which can cause patients to misattribute their illness8 . Although altered sense of smell can occur, loss of taste or smell is now rare with EG.5 compared to early COVID-19 strains9 6.
Although EG.5 is more transmissible than previous variants, it has not been linked to increased disease severity. Staying up to date with vaccinations and testing early remain key strategies to reduce severe COVID-19 risks. 24
Certain groups, including older adults and immunocompromised individuals, remain at higher risk for severe illness if the infection spreads to the lower respiratory tract, potentially causing difficulty breathing7 2. However, most EG.5 cases are mild and self-limiting, lasting up to two weeks1 .
| Symptom Category598 | Early COVID-19 (2020) | Omicron/EG.5 (2023-2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Loss of taste/smell | Common | Rare |
| Upper respiratory symptoms | Present | Predominant |
| Gastrointestinal symptoms | More frequent | Less frequent |
| Severity | Variable, often severe | Mostly mild |
Less Common COVID-19 Symptoms Now
With the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants, the symptom profile of COVID-19 has shifted. EG.5 and other recent Omicron subvariants rarely cause anosmia (loss of smell) or ageusia (loss of taste), which were hallmark symptoms during the early pandemic waves9 6. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea have also become less frequent with these newer variants6 .
The incidence of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a severe post-infectious complication, has diminished significantly. This decline is likely due to widespread immunity from vaccination and prior infections10 . Overall, COVID-19 caused by EG.5 tends to present with mild upper respiratory symptoms rather than the severe systemic or gastrointestinal manifestations seen in earlier variants8 .
- Loss of taste and smell are now rare with EG.5 infections9 .
- Gastrointestinal symptoms have decreased in frequency6 .
- MIS-C cases have declined, reflecting improved population immunity10 .
- EG.5 symptoms often overlap with those of other respiratory illnesses, complicating clinical diagnosis8 .
- Severity is mostly mild, with fewer hospitalizations compared to earlier COVID-19 waves5 .
💡 Did You Know? EG.5, nicknamed "Eris," carries mutations that enhance immune evasion, contributing to its rapid spread and dominance globally4 .
Importance of COVID-19 Testing
Despite the mild nature of EG.5 symptoms, testing remains crucial for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. Because EG.5 symptoms overlap with those of other respiratory infections such as influenza and RSV, diagnostic confirmation is essential8 2. Both PCR tests and rapid at-home antigen tests continue to reliably detect EG.5 infections, as these tests target viral components unaffected by the variant's spike protein mutations11 12.
“With any COVID variant, it’s slightly different from what our body recognizes, so whatever immunity we’ve had, it’s slightly less effective with the new variant.”
— Scott Roberts, MD, Yale School of Medicine12
High-risk individuals, including older adults and those with underlying health conditions, should prioritize testing if respiratory symptoms develop. Early diagnosis enables prompt initiation of antiviral treatments like Paxlovid, which remain effective against EG.5 and can prevent progression to severe disease13 72.
The updated COVID-19 boosters, formulated to target XBB subvariants closely related to EG.5, also provide protection against this variant and reduce the risk of severe outcomes14 15. Vaccination remains the most effective tool for preventing serious illness, even if mild symptomatic infections can still occur8 .
- COVID-19 testing is essential to distinguish EG.5 from other respiratory illnesses8 .
- PCR and rapid antigen tests remain sensitive to EG.5 detection11 .
- Early testing is critical for high-risk patients to access antiviral therapies promptly8 .
- Paxlovid and other antivirals are effective against EG.513 .
- Updated boosters targeting related XBB variants offer protection against EG.514 .
