"Emerging COVID Variants: Symptoms, Spread, and Concerns"

Public health officials are concerned about the BA.2.86 variant, nicknamed "Pirola," which has more than 30 mutations to its spike protein. It is unclear if this variant can bypass immune defenses from natural infection and prior vaccination. Symptoms associated with BA.2.86 infections are still unknown due to limited case numbers. Existing tests and medications for COVID-19 appear to be effective against BA.2.86. The EG.5 variant, also known as "Eris," is more transmissible than the previous XBB.1.16 variant but does not cause more severe illness in most cases. It typically causes upper-respiratory tract symptoms, including runny nose and sore throat. A new booster shot targeting the XBB.1.5 subvariant is expected to boost immunity against EG.5.