A new variant of COVID-19, known as the Nimbus variant, has been associated with a symptom dubbed 'razor blade throat' due to the painful sore throats it causes. This variant, also known as NB.1.8.1., has been identified in the United Kingdom, India, and other countries, leading to a rise in cases globally and in certain U.S. states.

Along with the 'razor blade throat' symptom, other common symptoms of COVID-19 variants include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell.

Despite the concerns surrounding the Nimbus variant, experts suggest that there is no significant cause for alarm. Here is what you need to know about this new variant:

Spread of the 'Razor Blade Throat' Variant

The World Health Organization reported a surge in cases linked to the Nimbus variant in late May, primarily in the eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and western Pacific regions. By mid-May, the variant had been detected in nearly 11% of sequenced samples worldwide. Airport screenings in the U.S. have identified the variant in travelers arriving from these regions to states like California, Washington, Virginia, and New York.

Severity of the Variant

While some countries in the western Pacific have seen an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, there is no evidence to suggest that the disease associated with the Nimbus variant is more severe than that caused by other variants.

Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines

The WHO has classified the Nimbus variant as a 'variant under monitoring' with a low global public health risk. Current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against this variant. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently announced that COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women, a decision that has been met with skepticism by public health experts.