• The rise of the Nimbus variant of COVID-19 has introduced a concerning symptom known as “razor blade throat.”

  • For those experiencing severe sore throat, testing for strep throat is crucial to prevent serious health issues.

  • Continued adherence to COVID-19 safety measures such as wearing masks and getting vaccinated is essential.

The “Nimbus” variant, a new strain of COVID-19, is swiftly spreading across the United States and catching attention with a distinctive symptom often seen in medical examinations.

Those infected with the Nimbus variant are experiencing a particularly severe sore throat, so intense that some describe it as akin to swallowing razor blades.

This symptom, referred to as “razor blade throat,” is believed by some to be unique to this variant, distinguishing it from others.

Yet, medical experts are cautious, noting that sore throats have been a symptom of COVID-19 since the beginning.

Preliminary data indicate that while Nimbus may not lead to more critical illness than previous strains, the severe sore throats reported have sparked discussion about any potential unique characteristics of this variant.

Here is an overview from health experts on what to know about the Nimbus variant.

Nimbus: High transmissibility but less severity

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies Nimbus, also known by its code NB.1.8.1, as a subvariant of the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Assistant Professor Scott Roberts, MD, from Yale School of Medicine, states that Nimbus is responsible for approximately one-third of the COVID-19 cases currently in the United States.

“It spreads more easily than other variants due to several mutations in its spike protein. However, it is still a subvariant of Omicron, so we might see an increase in cases but not to the extent of previous waves,” he explained to Healthline.

Dr. Kartik Cherabuddi, Chief Hospital Epidemiology Officer at Tampa General Hospital, mentioned that although Nimbus is spreading globally, its public health risk remains relatively low compared to other Omicron subvariants.

“The early lab data we have does not indicate significant immune evasion or resistance to antiviral treatments,” he shared with Healthline.

Cherabuddi also noted that no studies have yet been published on Nimbus’s impact on clinical outcomes.

However, he adds, “Routine monitoring hasn’t shown an uptick in hospitalizations or deaths so far.”

‘Razor blade throat’ and other familiar COVID-19 symptoms

According to Dr. Roberts, the symptoms of the Nimbus variant do not differ significantly from those of previous COVID-19 variants, which include fever, cough, and sore throat.

He remarked, “The ‘razor blade throat’ is based on anecdotal reports, and there is no concrete evidence that this variant causes a more severe sore throat than others.”

Roberts suggests testing for COVID-19 if you experience a sore throat to ensure it’s not related to the virus.

If the sore throat is particularly severe, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider to exclude the possibility of strep throat.

Other typical COVID-19 symptoms include loss of taste or smell and fatigue, with less common symptoms being:

  • sore throat

  • headaches

  • body aches

  • diarrhea

  • skin rash

  • discoloration of fingers or toes

  • red, irritated eyes

It’s crucial to differentiate between strep throat and COVID-19 symptoms.

Strep throat, unlike COVID-19 which is viral, is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus.

This condition often requires antibiotics to prevent serious complications like peritonsillar abscesses, rheumatic fever, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, and in rare cases, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome or meningitis.

Protecting Against the Nimbus Variant

Maintaining protection against the Nimbus variant involves the same measures as those used against previous strains.

“The effective strategies remain the same: frequent handwashing, staying away from sick individuals, ensuring good air circulation, receiving vaccinations, and wearing masks in settings where there is a high risk of transmission,” explained Roberts.

The CDC continues to recommend vaccinations for most adults over 18 to protect against severe outcomes like hospitalization and death.

It is particularly vital for older adults, high-risk groups, and those who have not yet been vaccinated to consider getting the shot. Parents should seek medical advice regarding vaccinations for children under 18.

The CDC also points out that immunity from earlier vaccinations decreases over time, thus underscoring the importance of receiving updated shots.

Future changes to COVID-19 vaccine recommendations could potentially make it more challenging for healthy adults, children, and pregnant women to receive vaccinations.

Cherabuddi emphasizes that certain symptoms should prompt a consultation with a healthcare provider, including:

  • intense throat pain

  • throat pain persisting for more than a week

  • unexplained weight loss

  • difficulty swallowing

  • new or worsening breathing difficulties

“Consult a healthcare professional if you experience any of these concerning signs,” he advised.