The EG.5 subvariant, informally known as Eris, is a descendant of the Omicron lineage of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified EG.5 as a “variant of interest,” indicating it warrants closer monitoring due to potentially increased transmissibility. While EG.5 has shown increased global prevalence, the WHO states the public health risk it poses is currently low, meaning countries should observe its spread rather than implying more severe disease.
Understanding Typical Symptom Duration
For most individuals, acute symptoms of Eris COVID-19 often last a short period, similar to other Omicron subvariants. Symptoms generally present as cold-like, affecting the upper respiratory tract. The typical duration is around 6 to 7 days, though symptoms can last up to two weeks.
Common symptoms associated with Eris include congestion, runny nose, cough, fatigue, fever or chills, headache, muscle aches, and sore throat. Loss of taste or smell, while a known COVID-19 symptom, is less prevalent with Omicron variants compared to earlier strains. Individual experiences with the virus can differ.
Factors Influencing Recovery Time
Several elements can influence how long an individual experiences symptoms and their overall recovery from an EG.5 infection. Vaccination status plays a role, as being vaccinated or boosted can lead to milder symptoms and a shorter illness duration. Vaccination is a protective factor against severe disease. A prior COVID-19 infection may also offer some immunity, impacting the severity and length of a subsequent EG.5 illness.
Age is another factor, with older adults and very young children facing a higher risk of severe outcomes and potentially longer recovery periods. Underlying health conditions, such as immunocompromising conditions, chronic heart, lung, or kidney diseases, diabetes, and obesity, can also prolong recovery and increase the risk of more severe illness. The initial severity of the illness also impacts recovery time; a more severe infection may require a longer period for the body to recuperate.
How Long You Can Spread the Virus
Understanding the period of contagiousness is important for limiting the spread of EG.5. Individuals infected with COVID-19 are most contagious 1 to 2 days before symptoms appear and for 2 to 3 days after symptom onset. Even if symptoms are mild or absent, an infected person can still transmit the virus.
General isolation guidelines recommend individuals stay home for at least 5 days from symptom onset (or from a positive test if asymptomatic). Isolation can end after 5 days if symptoms are improving and the person has been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. It is advisable to wear a mask around others, especially in public, through day 10, as some individuals may remain infectious. For those with more severe illness or weakened immune systems, a longer isolation period, potentially up to 20 days, may be necessary.
When Symptoms Persist Beyond the Acute Phase
For some individuals, COVID-19 symptoms can extend beyond the typical acute phase of recovery. These lingering or new symptoms can emerge weeks or even months after the initial infection. This can occur regardless of the initial illness’s severity, meaning even a mild infection can be followed by persistent symptoms.
Common persistent symptoms include fatigue, difficulty thinking or concentrating (often called “brain fog”), and shortness of breath. Other reported issues can involve muscle pain, headaches, and sleep disturbances. If symptoms continue for four weeks or more after the initial infection, or if new symptoms develop, seek medical consultation to discuss potential post-viral conditions.