The first case of infection in Canada with BA.2.86 was discovered in British Columbia, but an emergency room doctor says the "real test" for the highly "mutated" variant will be in the weeks following the return of children to classrooms for the new school year.

Dr. Kashif Pirzada said on CTV News on Wednesday, "We don't know much yet; we are starting to see an increase in cases and hospitalizations."

Pirzada confirmed that although much about the new variant is still unknown, he warns that there are enough changes from the original Omicron strain to be monitored closely.

However, Pirzada says that the current symptoms resemble those of the past and include loss of taste and smell, fever, chills, and body aches.

With the new school year on the horizon, Pirzada says we may soon witness "much greater transmission" and advises older Canadians or those with underlying medical conditions to get COVID-19 boosters.

Pirzada clarified that it is still unknown what level of protection the latest booster doses will provide against BA.2.86, and "we hope" it will closely match.

Pirzada said that within two weeks when the vaccine is available, he will get it, as "I don't want to get sick from this thing."