INDIANA – The new COVID-19 subvariant EG.5 currently makes up the majority of cases in the U.S., according to the CDC, accounting for just over 20% of all illnesses.
Though data on the new variant is lacking, doctors are commonly seeing upper respiratory complaints, like sore throat, cough, congestion, and runny nose. Other COVID-19 symptoms, like loss of taste and smell, are less common with the newer variants.
Some people have told physicians they thought they were suffering from allergies.
The most commonly-reported symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Because it’s difficult to determine whether you have COVID-19 by symptoms alone, the best way to verify an infection is through testing. All COVID-19 tests administered by medical professionals and rapid home tests should be able to detect EG.5.
According to the CDC if you are at high risk for severe illness due to underlying medical conditions or because you are pregnant, it’s especially important to get tested.
Getting vaccinated will also help to prevent severe illness from EG.5.
