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A new COVID-19 variant, nicknamed “Nimbus” (NB.1.8.1), is causing a surge in cases and headlines in 2025 — especially due to a severe sore throat symptom described as “razor blade throat.” This comprehensive guide covers everything: symptoms, science, global spread, expert advice, and what Americans need to know now.
ABC News: What to Know About 'Razor Blade Throat' COVID Variant
🧬 What Is the ‘Razor Blade Throat’ COVID Variant?
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Variant Name: NB.1.8.1 (nicknamed “Nimbus”)
Type: Descendant of Omicron, recombinant with XVD.1.5.1
First Detected: January 2025 (Asia), quickly spread to Europe, U.S., and globally
WHO Status: “Variant under monitoring” (not yet a Variant of Concern)
CDC Status (June 2025): 2nd most dominant U.S. variant, ~37% of new cases
Nickname Origin: “Razor blade throat” describes the intense sore throat, as if swallowing razor blades or glass, reported by many patients and doctors in the U.S., U.K., India, and more.
Type: Descendant of Omicron, recombinant with XVD.1.5.1
First Detected: January 2025 (Asia), quickly spread to Europe, U.S., and globally
WHO Status: “Variant under monitoring” (not yet a Variant of Concern)
CDC Status (June 2025): 2nd most dominant U.S. variant, ~37% of new cases
Nickname Origin: “Razor blade throat” describes the intense sore throat, as if swallowing razor blades or glass, reported by many patients and doctors in the U.S., U.K., India, and more.
| Variant Name | Nickname | WHO Status | First Detected | Dominant Regions (June 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NB.1.8.1 | Nimbus, ‘Razor Blade Throat’ | Variant Under Monitoring | Jan 2025 (Asia) | U.S., U.K., India, Southeast Asia, Mediterranean, Western Pacific |
🩺 Symptoms: What Does ‘Razor Blade Throat’ Feel Like?
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Main Symptom: Extremely painful sore throat, described as “swallowing razor blades or glass.”
Other Common Symptoms:
Healthline: 'Razor Blade Throat' – What to Know About the New COVID Variant
Other Common Symptoms:
- Runny or congested nose
- Fatigue
- Mild cough
- Fever, chills
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of taste or smell (less common now)
- Shortness of breath (mainly in high-risk patients)
🌎 Where Is the ‘Razor Blade Throat’ Variant Spreading?
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Global Spread: Detected in at least 22 countries by May 2025.
U.S. Hotspots: New York, California, Texas, Illinois, Washington, Virginia
Other Affected Regions: Southeast Asia, Mediterranean, Western Pacific, U.K., India
How Fast? In mid-May, Nimbus made up 11% of global sequenced samples; by June, it’s nearly 37% of U.S. cases.
Why the Surge? The variant is more transmissible, possibly due to changes in the spike protein, but not more dangerous.
U.S. Hotspots: New York, California, Texas, Illinois, Washington, Virginia
Other Affected Regions: Southeast Asia, Mediterranean, Western Pacific, U.K., India
How Fast? In mid-May, Nimbus made up 11% of global sequenced samples; by June, it’s nearly 37% of U.S. cases.
Why the Surge? The variant is more transmissible, possibly due to changes in the spike protein, but not more dangerous.
| Country/Region | Status (June 2025) |
|---|---|
| United States | 2nd most dominant variant, rising cases |
| U.K. | Severe sore throat cases, rising |
| India | Severe sore throat cases, rising |
| Southeast Asia | Rapid spread, increased hospitalizations |
| Mediterranean, Western Pacific | Rapid spread, increased hospitalizations |
🧑⚕️ Science: Why Does This Variant Cause Such a Severe Sore Throat?
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Mechanism: The virus infects the cells lining the throat, causing irritation and inflammation.
Expert Insight: Sore throat has always been a COVID symptom, but this variant seems to trigger more intense inflammation, possibly due to genetic changes in the spike protein.
Not Unique to COVID: “Razor blade throat” can also occur with other viruses (strep, adenovirus), but is now a hallmark of the Nimbus variant.
Other Symptoms: Most symptoms are still similar to Omicron: upper respiratory, less severe lung involvement, less loss of taste/smell.
CTV News: What to Know About 'Razor Blade Throat' COVID
Expert Insight: Sore throat has always been a COVID symptom, but this variant seems to trigger more intense inflammation, possibly due to genetic changes in the spike protein.
Not Unique to COVID: “Razor blade throat” can also occur with other viruses (strep, adenovirus), but is now a hallmark of the Nimbus variant.
Other Symptoms: Most symptoms are still similar to Omicron: upper respiratory, less severe lung involvement, less loss of taste/smell.
🟢 Severity, Risk, and Hospitalization: Should You Be Worried?
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Is the Nimbus Variant More Dangerous? No. Experts and the WHO agree that it is not more severe than other Omicron variants.
Hospitalization Risk: Not increased for most people. High-risk groups (elderly, immunocompromised, unvaccinated) should still take precautions.
Vaccine Effectiveness: Existing vaccines remain effective at preventing severe disease and death.
WHO Assessment: Global public health risk is considered low as of June 2025.
Key Message: The main difference is the painful sore throat, not increased severity.
The Hill: COVID-19 Variant 'Nimbus' Causes Painful 'Razor Blade Throat'
Hospitalization Risk: Not increased for most people. High-risk groups (elderly, immunocompromised, unvaccinated) should still take precautions.
Vaccine Effectiveness: Existing vaccines remain effective at preventing severe disease and death.
WHO Assessment: Global public health risk is considered low as of June 2025.
Key Message: The main difference is the painful sore throat, not increased severity.
🟠 How to Tell If Your Sore Throat Is COVID: Testing & Differential Diagnosis
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Testing: If you have a severe sore throat, especially with other COVID symptoms, get tested. Rule out strep throat (which can cause complications if untreated).
Other Causes: Allergies, bacterial infections, acid reflux, and other viruses can also cause severe sore throat.
When to Seek Help: If you have trouble breathing, swallowing, or high fever, seek medical care.
Fox News: New COVID Variant May Cause 'Razor Blade Throat'
Other Causes: Allergies, bacterial infections, acid reflux, and other viruses can also cause severe sore throat.
When to Seek Help: If you have trouble breathing, swallowing, or high fever, seek medical care.
🟣 Prevention & Protection: What You Can Do
🦠 Precautions Still Matter:
🧑⚕️ Treatment: Most cases can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relief. Severe cases may require medical attention.
Times Now: COVID-19 New Variant Causes ‘Razor Blade’ Pain With Sore Throat
- Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters
- Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces, especially if you’re high-risk
- Wash hands frequently
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Ventilate indoor spaces
- Test if you have symptoms
🧑⚕️ Treatment: Most cases can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relief. Severe cases may require medical attention.
💡 FAQ: Americans’ Top Questions About ‘Razor Blade Throat’ COVID
💡 FAQ
Independent: Newest Covid Variant Causing 'Razor Blade Throat'
- Is ‘razor blade throat’ unique to COVID? No, but it’s a prominent symptom of the Nimbus variant.
- Is this variant more dangerous? No, it’s more transmissible but not more severe.
- Are vaccines still effective? Yes, especially for preventing severe illness.
- What other symptoms should I watch for? Cough, fever, runny nose, fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea.
- Should I get tested for strep? Yes, if your sore throat is severe, to rule out strep throat.
- When should I see a doctor? If you have trouble breathing, swallowing, or persistent high fever.
- How long does the sore throat last? Usually 3-7 days, but varies by individual.
- What’s the best home remedy? Rest, hydration, throat lozenges, warm liquids, and over-the-counter pain relief.
- Is there a risk for children? As with other COVID variants, children generally have mild cases, but consult a pediatrician if symptoms are severe.
©️ 2025 | Razor Blade Throat COVID: Complete Guide for US Readers, Patients & Health Advocates
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