News

All the Covid Eris symptoms you need to look out for as new variant surges in UK

A new Covid-19 subvariant has caused a spike in UK hospital admissions this summer

Written by
Henrietta Taylor
Contributing writer
Covid test in a lab
Photograph: Shutterstock
Advertising

A new Covid subvariant dubbed Eris has emerged in the UK, causing a spike in hospital admissions this summer. Medically known as EG.5.1, Eris has been blamed for the recent rise in cases – as well as another subvariant called Arcturus. Cold, wet weather and our waning immunity is also apparently causing Covid to spread throughout the country. Here’s all you need to know about Eris, from its symptoms to what experts are saying about it. 

What are the top Covid Eris symptoms to look out for?

Some of the most common symptoms to watch out for are as follows.

  • Sore throat
  • Runny or blocked nose
  • Sneezing
  • Cough with or without phlegm
  • Headache
  • Hoarse voice
  • Aching muscles
  • Altered sense of smell

What do the experts say?

Independent Sage member Prof. Christina Pagel told the Independent that there is a possibility that the spread of Eris might slow down throughout the summer holidays, as schools are closed and many Brits are going away on holiday. However, things will likely speed up again as we approach the autumn. 

She said: ‘Most people are now over 18 months from their last vaccine’ and that the majority of people are also ‘several months out from their last infection, too.’

‘It is likely to be dominant by September, when kids return to school and adults to work or university. Plus, we start spending much more time inside.’

Did you see the full list of Wilko stores that are closing for good?

Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country. 

You may also like
You may also like
Advertising