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A new COVID-19 variant is making headlines, and not just for its rapid spread but also for its unusual symptom, ‘razor blade.’ This new symptom is causing a painful sensation that causes a sharp pain in the throat that people are describing as ‘swallowing razor blades’.
The new COVID-19 variant, namedNB.1.8.1 or Nimbus, is spreading like wildfire in parts of Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean region, and the western Pacific, especially the US. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data, the current active case count in India, as of 8 am, June 20, 2025, stands at 5608.
To know more about the ‘razor blade throat’, OnlyMyHealth talked to Dr Shubham Agarwal, Consultant Pulmonologist, Apollo Medics Superspeciality Hospital, Lucknow, about 10 important things to know about Nimbus, the new COVID-19 variant.
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- What are the Symptoms of the New COVID Variant?
The new COVID-19 variant succeeding the Omicron variant is NB.1.8.1 or Nimbus. This variant, while not potentially life-threatening, Nimbus is known to cause a painful sore throat that makes life difficult for those infected.
According to Dr Agarwal, symptoms include:
- Sore throat: Causing a stabbing or cutting pain, much sharper than regular common viral infections.
- Fever: Mild fever that lasts for a day or two.
- Runny or Blocked Nose: Congestion in the nasal passage, like the common cold.
- Headache and Fatigue: Due to fever and difficulty breathing, Nimbus is also causing headaches and fatigue.
What are the Causes of ‘Razor Blade’ Sore Throat?
Reported as swallowing ‘shards of glass’, the Nimbus variant's sore throat is caused by intense inflammation. As per Dr Agarwal, “the Nimbus virus is attacking the lining in the throat, causing acute inflammation in the throat tissue, making even swallowing painful.”
Razor Blade Throat: First Sign of Infection
According to Dr Agarwal, this sore throat infection is appearing early in the infection contracted. “It often shows up within the first 24 to 48 hours of infection, sometimes even before other symptoms like fever or cough appear,” he added.
How Long is the New Variant of COVID-19 Contagious?
While it is advised by the doctors to isolate yourself for at least a week if infected with COVID-19, this new variant might be different. “The person infected is contagious for 2-3 days, once the symptoms start to show. However, it is advised to maintain social distancing for a week when infected,” advised Dr Agarwal.
How to Soothe a COVID Sore Throat?
Unlike strep throat or flu, which causes a mild ache in the throat, this Nimbus ‘razor blade’ throat is causing drastic pain. “To ease this sharper pain, use warm fluids to soothe the inflammation. And also, use over-the-counter medications like lozenges to calm down the pain.”
No Need to Panic, But Stay Vigilant
After vaccination and proper booster doses, this sore throat isn’t life-threatening, but it is good to be cautious. Talking about the panic, Dr Agarwal advised, “This symptom doesn’t mean the virus is high-risk, but it may hurt the throat lining, making it prone to coughing, which might make it easier to transmit.” “During this time, take extra care of your throat and limit talking as it can hinder healing,” he added.
How to Get Rid of a Sore Throat At Home?
If treating at home, it is good to connect with a doctor virtually. Moreover, Dr Agarwal also recommended a few remedies that can soothe the Nimbus Sore Throat. -1750411159531.jpg "coivd-19 symptoms")
These remedies include:
- Drink warm (not hot) tea to soothe the throat lining.
- Add moisture to your room to avoid irritation in the throat.
- Eat light and slightly overcooked foods to ease swallowing.
- Do saltwater gargles to relieve throat pain and swelling.
Look for lozenges with Menthol, Dyclonine, or Benzocaine, as these numb the area for some time, providing relief.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers Can Help, Says Dr Agarwal
As per Dr Agarwal, “Over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin) can relieve your COVID-19 sore throat pain for a few hours at a time. But before having these formulations, check with your doctor to avoid any allergic reactions.”
Vaccination Can Help Heal Faster
Vaccination doesn’t mean a 100% shield from contracting COVID-19. However, even vaccinated individuals are reporting this symptom. But they tend to recover faster and have milder overall illnesses.
“If behind on vaccination or booster doses (if having co-morbidities), please complete them ASAP, to improve immunity. The full vaccination can help you overcome the infection easily and also reduce the chances of contracting it in the first place,” advised Dr Agarwal.
Testing is Paramount
Talking about COVID-19’s new strain, Dr Agarwal said, “The new strain resembles a lot like common cold, so it is important to get tests as soon as your symptoms start to increase or stay longer than 3 days.”
ALSO READ: Odisha Reports 5 New COVID Cases; Health Department Boosts Vigilance
Conclusion: Caution over Panic![razor blade throat]()
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The ‘razor blade throat’ can often come across like a common cold, so it is important to get tested as soon as you feel the symptoms. Moreover, this new strain isn’t potentially life-threatening, making it easier and faster to heal. As for ‘razor blade throat’, use above mentioned points as a guiding tool.