Covid 19 resurges in the country: How THIS common symptom is key to the new variant

The COVID-19 virus has returned after a period of relative calm, with a rise in cases globally, including in India. While most cases remain mild and patients are recovering at home, health officials are urging caution, especially for those with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and the elderly. The virus continues to evolve, leading to new variants with varying transmission patterns and symptoms. The Nimbus variant (NB.1.8.1) has emerged, characterized by a notably painful sore throat, often described as "razor blade throat."

The Emergence of the Nimbus Variant

The Nimbus variant, a descendant of Omicron, was first identified in January 2025. It has since spread to numerous countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, India, and parts of Asia. The World Health Organization (WHO) currently assesses the variant as mild, not causing severe illness.

Razor Blade Throat: The Defining Symptom

A prominent symptom among those infected with the Nimbus variant is an extremely painful sore throat, making even swallowing water difficult. Patients have described the sensation as "swallowing razor blades" or "glass," a departure from the milder sore throats associated with previous COVID-19 variants.

Leading medical professionals attribute this intense throat pain to dryness and cracking in the throat, leading to inflammation and irritation of the throat tissues. The pain can be significantly aggravated by eating and drinking.

Other Symptoms of the Nimbus Variant

While severe throat pain is a hallmark of the Nimbus variant, it typically presents alongside other common COVID-19 symptoms:

• Cough
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Nasal congestion
• Headaches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Changes in taste or smell

These symptoms align with those observed in other Omicron variants.

What to Do if You Experience a Sore Throat

A sore throat isn't always indicative of COVID-19. However, if you experience a sharp or burning sore throat, particularly if it's severe and accompanied by other symptoms, it's important to take the following steps:

• Get tested for COVID-19: Testing can confirm whether you are infected with the virus.
• Stay isolated: Prevent further spread by staying home and limiting contact with others.
• Drink plenty of fluids: Hydration can help soothe a sore throat, even if swallowing is painful.
• Use throat lozenges or gargle with warm salt water: These methods can provide temporary pain relief.
• Seek medical help if symptoms worsen: Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you experience difficulty breathing, a persistent high fever, or severe pain.

Sore throats can also result from bacterial infections treatable with antibiotics. However, COVID-19 is a virus and does not respond to antibiotics. Therefore, avoid self-medicating and consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The Importance of Vaccination

Current COVID-19 vaccines, particularly those with updated boosters, continue to offer protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death caused by the Nimbus variant. While the variant can cause uncomfortable symptoms like sore throat, vaccinated individuals generally experience milder cases.

Source: World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention