Health officials say the NB.1.8.1 COVID-19 variant, informally known as ‘Nimbus’, is growing.
The new variant is characterized by a disturbing symptom called ‘razor blade throat.’ In May, The Dallas Express reported that fewer than 20 cases of NB.1.8.1 had been identified in the United States. However, during the two-week period ending June 7, NB.1.8.1 accounted for an estimated 37% of cases in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While Nimbus appears more easily transmissible, it is not considered more virulent, meaning it is not considered more harmful. This, despite the extremely painful sore throats experienced by many of its sufferers.
“With some variants, fever and body aches were more prominent, where other strains had almost no symptoms at all. With the new variant, it appears that the sore throat is yet again a prominent symptom,” Kenneth Perry, M.D., an ER physician in South Carolina, said to Fox News Digital.
Perry says the extreme symptoms result from the direct infection of the cells of the throat. One person posting on Reddit says it was akin to swallowing “shards of glass.”
“Nothing helped. It was absolutely excruciating.”
As a reminder, Perry says a severe sore throat does not necessarily mean the presence of COVID-19. Allergies, acid reflux, or bacterial infections can also result in throat pain, medically known as pharyngitis.
“Pharyngitis, or sore throat, is a common finding with many viral infections,” Perry said. “Although roughly 20% of sore throats are caused by certain bacteria, most are caused by viruses such as COVID.”
According to Perry, honey can help treat the pain of a sore throat and cough. He also says anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen or naproxen, can help ease symptoms. Regardless, the exact treatment will depend on the cause, which a healthcare professional can help diagnose.