Since Covid-19 was first discovered in late 2019, variants have continued to emerge along with vaccines and boosters, which continue to be updated to fight against the virus. The most current variants currently circulating are two omicron sub variants: EG.5, which has been given the nickname, “Eris,” and BA.2.86, which has been nicknamed: “Pirola.”

The Pirola strand was first discovered in late July of 2023. According to The Independent, by August 30th, it was found in eleven countries around the world, including the United States. Since the strand is fairly new, there is not enough data yet to determine if Pirola has its own, distinctive symptoms. Some symptoms may include: a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, and other common symptoms associated with the coronavirus. 

Assistant Dean of Research and Associate Professor at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University, Dr. Rajendram Rajnarayanan explained that Pirola, “carries the risk of becoming internationally widespread. As it spreads, it could accumulate more mutations.”

It is currently unclear whether or not Pirola is more or less transmissible than other variants, although. Rajnarayanan noted, “BA.2.86 possesses the characteristics of a successful lineage that could potentially outcompete existing variants.”

Similar to Pirola, EG.5 does not seem to be worse than other strains nor does it have any unique symptoms. However, evidence suggests it could be more transmissible. EG.5 is a strain from the original Omicron variant, which is no longer circulating. 

Vice President of Science, Medicine, and Public Health at the American Medical Association, Andrea Garcia, explained a unique characteristic of EG.5: “[It] has one notable mutation that helps it evade antibodies developed by our immune system in response to earlier variants and vaccines. That’s most likely why it’s become not only the dominant strain here in the U.S., but in the world right now.

While EG.5 is more invasive to a person’s immunity, the new vaccines should be effective against it. 

On Monday, September 11th, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the newest vaccine for Covid-19, which will be specifically effective against some of the currently circulating strains.

According to CNN Health, “The updated vaccines are approved for people 12 and older and are authorized under emergency use for individuals 6 months through 11 years old.” Experts such as Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, strongly encourage those who can to get the vaccine. 

These officials hope that the vaccine will be accessible, for free, at pharmacies such as CVS by the end of this week, alongside the seasonal Flu shot.