The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

If your friend says they have a “cold” because of the “AC,” please do not believe them and stay as far away as possible, as there’s a big chance they may have caught the new Covid-19 variant, EG. 5. It is once again time for us to keep a safe distance and get back on our vitamin schedule. But before you start running to the closest pharmacy for more masks and hand sanitisers, here are a few things you need to know about the new variant.

It is believed not to be as severe as the OG Covid-19 that put us under lockdown back in 2020, but it spreads quickly. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a steady worldwide increase in cases as the global prevalence of EG.5 went from 7.6% in late June to 17.4% during epidemiological week 29 (17 to 23 July 2023).

The common symptoms for EG. 5, AKA Eris, are similar to the original Covid-19 we experienced previously. The virus is believed to be a new Omicron subvariant that emerged around November of 2021. The symptoms include fever, coughing, shortness of breath, exhaustion, muscle pains, headaches, and sore throats; however, the indicators and their severity may vary from one person to another. Most people have said that it started as a common cold with a runny nose and a mild sore throat, and then the body aches started afterwards. Many people also reported losing their sense of smell and taste, just like the good old days of the Covid lockdown. If you or someone you know might be getting symptoms of a cold, please make sure to quarantine until you feel better.

While reports show that it might not be as severe as the original virus that led to worldwide lockdowns in 2020, Eris is no less significant. The WHO has reported that this new variant is a virus of interest, but the vaccines that were provided because of COVID-19 may still be effective and help in protection against the disease. Nonetheless, the speed of transmission of this new variant is equally alarming, reminding us to remain vigilant in our efforts to contain its spread.

We are hoping that we don’t get some war flashback from 2020 of people washing their groceries and hoarding toilet paper. So, if you or someone you know starts feeling like they’re catching a cold, here’s the drill: lock yourself in, Netflix and chill (literally), and stay away from the rest of humanity until you’re back in fighting shape. Stay safe, stay distant, and remember, EG. 5 might not be headlining, but it’s still dangerous.