Covid 19 resurges in the country: How THIS common symptom is key to the new variant

The COVID-19 virus has re-emerged after a period of relative calm, leading to a surge in cases globally, including in India. While most cases remain mild with patients recovering at home, health officials advise caution, especially for individuals with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and the elderly.

However, the virus continues to evolve, giving rise to new variants with differing transmission patterns and symptoms. One recent variant, NB.1.8.1, dubbed "Nimbus," has garnered attention due to its prominent symptom: a severely painful sore throat, often described as "razor blade throat."

The Emergence of the Nimbus Variant

The Nimbus variant (NB.1.8.1), a descendant of Omicron, was first identified in January 2025. Since then, it has rapidly spread to numerous countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, India, and various parts of Asia. The World Health Organization (WHO) currently assesses the variant as mild, not causing severe illness.

Why the Intense Throat Pain?

Doctors are reporting that a significant number of Nimbus-infected patients are experiencing an exceptionally painful sore throat, making even swallowing water a challenge. Some patients describe the sensation as "swallowing razor blades" or "glass," a departure from the milder sore throats associated with earlier COVID-19 variants.

Experts suggest that the severe throat pain stems from the virus causing intense inflammation and irritation within the throat tissues. This inflammation leads to pain that is further aggravated during eating and drinking. The throat often feels dry and cracked, intensifying the discomfort.

Beyond the Sore Throat: Other Symptoms

While the excruciating sore throat is a hallmark of the Nimbus variant, it typically accompanies other common COVID-19 symptoms:

• Cough
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Nasal congestion
• Headaches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Changes in taste or smell

These symptoms are consistent with those observed in other Omicron variants.

Experiencing a Sore Throat? Here's What To Do

It is important to note that not all sore throats are indicative of COVID-19. However, if you experience a sharp or burning sore throat, particularly if swallowing is difficult, coupled with other symptoms, consider the following:

• Get tested for COVID-19: Given that throat pain is a primary symptom of the Nimbus variant, testing can confirm the diagnosis.
• Isolate yourself: To prevent further transmission, stay at home and minimize contact with others.
• Stay hydrated: Despite the pain, prioritize fluid intake to soothe your throat.
• Use throat lozenges or gargle with warm salt water: These methods can provide temporary relief.
• Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen: If you experience difficulty breathing, a persistent high fever, or severe pain, consult a healthcare professional immediately.

It is crucial to remember that sore throats can also result from bacterial infections treatable with antibiotics. As COVID-19 is a virus, antibiotics are ineffective. Therefore, avoid self-medicating and consult a physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Vaccines Remain Your Strongest Defense

The existing COVID-19 vaccines, particularly with updated boosters, continue to provide protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death caused by the Nimbus variant. While the variant may cause painful symptoms such as sore throat, vaccinated individuals generally experience milder cases.

Source: World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention