What to know about the COVID variant that may cause 'razor blade' sore throats

A new COVID-19 variant, dubbed "razor blade throat" COVID, is gaining attention due to its association with painful sore throats. This variant, known as NB.1.8.1 or "Nimbus," has been identified by doctors in the United Kingdom, India, and other regions.

While a sore throat is a prominent symptom, other common COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of the variant, include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell.

Experts suggest that while the Nimbus variant warrants monitoring, there is no significant cause for alarm at this time.

Global Spread of the Nimbus Variant

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on May 28th that the rise in cases associated with the Nimbus variant is primarily concentrated in the eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and western Pacific regions. By mid-May, this variant accounted for nearly 11% of sequenced samples reported worldwide.

In the United States, airport screenings have detected the variant in travelers arriving from these regions, with destinations including California, Washington state, Virginia, and New York.

Severity and Vaccine Effectiveness

Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that the Nimbus variant causes more severe illness compared to other variants. The WHO has stated that while some western Pacific countries have reported increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, this does not necessarily indicate increased disease severity linked to the new variant.

COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against the Nimbus variant. The WHO has designated Nimbus as a "variant under monitoring," indicating a low public health risk at the global level. Current vaccines are anticipated to provide continued protection.

It's important to note that Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. recently announced that COVID-19 shots are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women, a statement that has been challenged by public health experts.