Everything to know about the new COVID variant Eris—and tools to protect yourself

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A new COVID-19 variant has emerged once again, this one being EG.5.1., nicknamed "Eris." Eris' rise in the United States and the United Kingdom comes amid a climb in COVID-19 cases, three months after the COVID-19 public health emergency ended in the U.S. In the two-week period ending in August 5th, Eris was found to be the most prevalent variant of coronavirus in the U.S., accounting for 17.3% of cases. While it can be nerve-wracking to deal with yet another new variant, three years of COVID-19 has prepared us for anything the virus throws our way. Here's everything you need to know about Eris—and tools to help you protect yourself.

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What is the new COVID variant Eris?

EG.5.1, nicknamed "Eris," is a subvariant of Omicron. Over the past week, it has become the most prominent form of COVID-19, accounting for 17.3% of new cases. Arcturus, another Omicron variant, trails behind at 15.6% of new cases.

Where is the new COVID variant Eris spreading?

Cases of Eris are reported to be rising across both the United States and the United Kingdom.

Symptoms of new COVID variant Eris

The symptoms of Eris are similar to those of Omicron, according to Zoe Health Study, a COVID-monitoring organization. The most common symptoms of Eris include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Coughing
• Changes to sense of smell

How to protect yourself and others from new COVID variant Eris

Masks

Wearing a quality mask that blocks ingestion of COVID-19 molecules remains the most effective way to protect yourself from the virus. N95  masks filter 95% of airborne particles, including the ones responsible for the transmission of COVID-19. When buying these masks off the web, make sure to verify that they're legitimate, as there are many fakes out there.

An air purifier

An air purifier can remove harmful air particles from your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this includes COVID-19 particles by way of using HEPA filters. Fortunately, the best air purifier we've tested, the Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max, has a quality HEPA filter. Not only does this purifier boast excellent filtering, but it's quiet, simple to use and has a washable filter.

Hand sanitizer

COVID-19 can spread when you touch your mouth, nose or eyes after coming in contact with a surface contaminated by viral droplets. Therefore, another way to keep yourself safe from Eris is to diligently wash your hands using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Disinfectant wipes

You can also opt to decontaminate surfaces by using a disinfectant wipe. Consider wiping down surfaces that are touched often such as doorknobs, remote controls and light switches.

A thermometer

If you start to feel under the weather, it’s important to monitor your symptoms. The first thing you should do is use a thermometer to see if you're running a fever. One of the best thermometers you can buy is Femometer's digital infrared thermometer. It delivers accurate readings and features a high-temperature warning.

A COVID-19 at-home test

Questioning whether or not you have COVID? Whether you exhibit COVID-19 symptoms yourself or you’ve come in contact with someone who has tested positive, you should take a COVID-19 test to see where you stand. Fortunately, at-home tests are now widely available and will give you results in 15 minutes.

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