COVID-19 cases are up, 'Eris' subvariant is dominating the southeast. Here's what to know

Though COVID-19 is no longer considered a global health emergency and the past year has seen a drop off in new cases and COVID-related deaths, the disease has not disappeared and continues to mutate.

A new subvariant of the Omicron coronavirus, colloquially called "Eris," has sprouted up in more than 50 countries including the United States, according to the World Health Organization. Here's a closer look at the virus' new form, how much it has impacted Georgia, and what residents need to know to protect themselves:

Is the Eris (EG.5) strain of COVID in Georgia?

Eris, also known as EG.5, is the most common COVID-19 variant in the southeast, making up 15.6% of cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Georgia Department of Public Health spokesperson Nancy Nydam said Wednesday that Georgia's Eris percentage is in line with the rest of the region.

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As of Aug. 9, the Georgia DPH reported that the rate of new COVID cases had more than doubled over the last month, with 4,309 new cases in the span of two weeks.

What are the symptoms of the latest COVID variant?

As with many COVID-19 variations, patients with Eris are likely to experience flu- or cold-like symptoms. As a sub variant of Omicron, here are the five most common symptoms, according to Zoe, a United Kingdom-based health organization:

• Runny nose

• Headache

• Fatigue (mild or severe)

• Sneezing

• Sore throat

How dangerous is Eris?

In its Aug. 9 risk evaluation, WHO reported, based on the evidence at the time, that while Eris' prevalence is rising, the public health risk is low at the global level.

There have been no changes to disease severity, but Eris has displayed growth advantage and immune escape properties. This increases the virus' transmission capabilities and could make it more widespread.

Where in Georgia are free COVID-19 tests available?

Walgreens provides PCR home kits that are funded by the federal government. Samples are self-collected and shipped to a lab where they will be processed and provide results within one-to-two days. Walgreens offers other COVID tests that may be covered by insurance depending on the policy.

Free testing locations can also be found at testinglocator.cdc.gov. However, those interested should call the location ahead of time for more information.

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Where in Georgia are free COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters available?

Anyone ages 5 and older is eligible to both of the initial doses of the COVID vaccination. Those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised may be eligible for an additional dose. A reformulated booster providing extra protection against the Omicron strain became available in September 2022.

All of these inoculations are provided at no cost, regardless of insurance. They also continue to be provided at most chain pharmacies (CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, etc.) and at Georgia Department of Public Health facilities.

To find more providers, go to vaccines.gov.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: COVID in Georgia update: New variant symptoms, COVID testing options