Dr. Ahmed You might have heard about a new COVID variant, razor blade throat covid variant, that feels like you’ve swallowed glass or, more like, broken glass shards are stuck in your throat – while as horrifying as it sounds, it is true!
The new NB.1.8.1 variant, also called “Nimbus,” is all over the news headlines due to the scary symptom: razor blade throat.
Let’s unpack what this new variant is and how to keep yourself safe despite the panic spreading all around the world.
What is the NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus) ‘Razor Blade Throat Covid Variant’ of COVID?
NB.1.8.1, or “Nimbus” – as it is commonly called- is a part of the Omicron family, which means it is related to the same group of COVID variants we have dealt with in the past couple of years. It is technically a mutated form of the old variants.
This new COVID variant was first reported in Asia in early 2025 but is now slowly moving towards Europe, the US, and the Middle East.
According to recent news, it has caused more than one-third of COVID cases in the US, especially in California.
Although it is spreading fast, this variant doesn’t seem to be fatal as no deaths have been reported yet – but still, the brutal symptoms it tends to bring with it are scary enough to haunt everyone.
What Does a Razor Blade Throat Feel Like?
It is just as bad as it sounds. It is often the first noticeable symptom and is painful to the point you feel like actual glass shards are stuck in your throat or real razor blades – in short, it feels like something sharp is cutting your throat every time you try to swallow.
However, sore throats aren’t something new when it comes to COVID, so what’s different?
According to reports, this new variant seems to aggravate the common sore throat symptoms to a whole new level.
Even doctors aren’t totally sure why this symptom is so intense with this variant. Some suggest that it is linked to the changes in the virus’s spike protein, which makes it stick to the throat and make it feel like “razor blade throat”.
What Other Symptoms Occur with the New COVID Variant?
Beyond the throat pain, some other familiar COVID symptoms that are also common with this new variant include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
Interestingly, loss of taste or smell, which was the prominent feature of earlier COVID variants, seems to be rare with the new NB.1.8.1 variant.
Moreover, some people also reported hoarseness or totally losing their voice, which is primarily due to a sore throat.
Where Is This Variant Showing Up?
In the US, it’s been spotted all over — especially in California, New York, Virginia, and Washington. By mid-June, it was responsible for about 37% of all sequenced cases nationwide.
In California alone, it went from making up about 2% of cases in April to more than half by June. That’s a huge jump in just a few weeks.
Internationally, it’s showing up in countries across Europe and Asia, and being flagged in travelers at airports in the US.
The World Health Organization is keeping an eye on it but says it’s still a “variant under monitoring” — not yet considered a full “variant of concern.”
That said, it’s definitely being watched closely because of how quickly it’s spreading and the unique symptom profile.
Is It More Dangerous Than Other Variants?
Good news: So far, NO.
While it spreads pretty fast and comes with that nasty sore throat, there’s no sign that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe disease. Hospitalizations, ICU stays, and deaths haven’t gone up in areas where it’s dominant.
Doctors are treating it much like other Omicron variants: unpleasant, contagious, but manageable — especially if you’re vaccinated and otherwise healthy.
Still, for people with underlying conditions, older adults, pregnant individuals, or those with weakened immune systems, any COVID infection carries risk. So, the usual precautions still matter.
How Do You Know If You Have It?
The only way to know for sure would be through lab sequencing.
But if you’ve got sudden, intense throat pain that makes it hard to eat or sleep — and especially if it’s paired with a fever, cough, or fatigue — it’s a good idea to test for COVID using a home antigen test.
If that comes back negative but symptoms persist, follow up with a PCR test or visit a clinic. Doctors may also swab for strep, flu, or even mono if they’re trying to rule out other culprits.
How Long Does It Last?
The sore throat from NB.1.8.1 tends to show up early — sometimes even before a positive test result — and can last anywhere from 3 to 7 days.
Other symptoms might stick around for a week or two, depending on your immune system and how quickly you rest and recover.
Some people get off easy with just a sore throat and fatigue, while others may feel wiped out for a week or more.
If your symptoms get worse after a few days, or you’re having trouble breathing or swallowing, it’s time to call your doctor.
How Do You Treat It?
There’s no magic cure (yet), but you can manage the pain at home with the basics:
- Fluids: Drink tons of water, warm tea with honey, broths, and electrolyte drinks.
- Pain relief: Use ibuprofen or acetaminophen to bring down inflammation and help with fever and aches.
- Soothers: Try throat lozenges or warm salt-water gargles.
- Rest: Seriously, just rest. Your body needs the downtime.
What About Vaccines? Do They Work Against Nimbus?
So far, yes.
Current COVID boosters (including the fall 2024 formulation) are still holding up well in terms of preventing severe illness and hospitalization, even against NB.1.8.1.
You might still catch it — especially since this variant seems pretty good at getting around some immunity — but if you’re vaccinated, your chances of ending up in the hospital are way lower.
Should You Still Be Wearing a Mask?
If you’re in a crowded indoor place — especially during a surge — a good-quality mask (like a KN95) still helps.
While most mask mandates are gone, the virus hasn’t disappeared. If you’re feeling symptoms, traveling, or spending time with vulnerable people, masking up is just a smart move.
- FDA Authorized 15-Minute Self-Test: The test is a 15-minute self-test to detect whether or not an individual has COVID-1…
- Easy to Use with Zero Discomfort: Test can be done by inserting 1/2 to 3/4 inch of a simple non-invasive nasal swab. Ste…
- For Ages 2 and Above : The self-administered test is recommended for individuals aged 15 years and older. Adult-collecti…
- Expiration Date Extension: On March 15, 2023, the FDA granted the Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test another 3-month sh…
- FDA EUA Authorized COVID-19 Home Test – This test is authorized for home use without the need for a prescription or send…
- Detects Active COVID-19 Infection – This test detects multiple COVID-19 variants including the Omicron and Delta variant…
- FDA EUA Authorized COVID-19 Test Card: Boson Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test Card is authorized under the Emergency Use Au…
- 15 Min Rapid Test: 15-minute self-test. It can be performed anywhere at any time
- Suitable for all events: Easy to carry with convenient size. Each kit contains 2 tests. It is suitable for all events.
- FDA EUA Authorized COVID-19 Test Card: Boson Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test Card is authorized under the Emergency Use Au…
- 15 Min Rapid Test: 15-minute self-test. It can be performed anywhere at any time
- Suitable for all events: Easy to carry with convenient size. Each kit contains 8 tests. It is suitable for all events.
