New COVID-19 variant sparks concern over severe sore throat symptom

A newly emerging COVID-19 variant known as “Nimbus” is gaining traction across the United States, with a peculiar and painful symptom drawing attention: an unusually severe sore throat that some have likened to “swallowing razor blades.” 

This intense discomfort, informally called “razor blade throat,” is being widely discussed as a potential distinguishing feature of the variant.

Despite the buzz, health experts remain cautious. Sore throat has long been a recognized symptom of COVID-19, and there is currently no conclusive evidence that Nimbus causes a more severe version of it. 

However, the striking nature of the complaints has sparked questions about whether this variant differs meaningfully from earlier strains.

The World Health Organization has identified Nimbus—technically known as NB.1.8.1—as a subvariant of Omicron, the highly contagious strain of SARS-CoV-2 that has dominated recent COVID-19 waves. Dr. Scott Roberts, an assistant professor at the Yale School of Medicine, noted that Nimbus now accounts for about one-third of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. 

He explained that it appears to spread more efficiently than previous variants due to unique mutations in its spike protein. Still, he expects a moderate uptick in infections, not a major new wave.

While the variant is also spreading in other parts of the world, experts say its overall public health threat remains relatively low. Dr. Kartik Cherabuddi, Chief Hospital Epidemiology Officer at Tampa General Hospital, pointed out that preliminary lab data do not show Nimbus to be more evasive of immune protection or resistant to antiviral treatments. 

Moreover, there is no current evidence suggesting it leads to increased hospitalizations or deaths.

Typical symptoms of the Nimbus variant remain consistent with prior COVID-19 strains, including fever, cough, and sore throat. Though many patients have reported the sore throat as particularly intense, Dr. Roberts emphasized that such descriptions are anecdotal and not supported by clinical data.

If one experiences a sore throat—especially a severe one—Roberts recommends testing for COVID-19. It’s also important to consult a doctor to rule out strep throat, which shares some similar symptoms but requires different treatment. 

Strep throat is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, not a virus, and it often requires antibiotics to prevent complications such as abscesses, rheumatic fever, kidney inflammation, or, in rare cases, toxic shock syndrome or meningitis.