June 26, 2025 – The new COVID -19 variant which is now about a third of the American coasty cases has a symptom of signature: a painful sore throat that looks like “razor blades”.
“This” sore throat of the razor blade “was reported as a common symptom in China”, where the variant appeared for the first time in May, said Matthew S. Kelly, MD, MPH, head of infectious diseases of the Pediatrics department of the University of Arkansas for the Medical Sciences. It has also been largely reported in other countries, including the United States because the variant has spread worldwide.
Why does this sore throat hurt so much?
NB.1.8.1 – or Nimbus – is an omicron subvariant, the dominant cocvid variant since the end of 2021. Omicron variants tend to cause more throat problems than the first forms of the virus.
In recent years, the specialist in infectious diseases Peter Chin-Hong, MD, has known more and more patients with sore throat.
“Even before this variant, sore throats have been reported in up to 70% of COVID patients, and it can be serious,” said Chin-Hong, professor at the University of California in San Francisco.
A possible explanation is that as the virus evolves, the response from our body to it also changes.
Covated viruses bind to ACE2 receptors, found on the surface of the cells. The upper respiratory tract cells (nose, throat) have more Ace2 Receivers than those of the lower respiratory tract and lungs, making it main targets for omicron variants, which are more strongly binding to these receivers. Research suggests that from all the variants now circulating, Nimbus binds the most to ACE2 receptors.
Once the virus reaches these cellular receptors in and around your throat, your immune system – probably started by past infections, vaccination or both – launches into an over -lullated to keep the virus remotely. Cue inflammation, accumulation of liquid, redness and swelling.
“The symptoms of sore throat do not come from the virus itself,” said Chin-Hong. “They come from the inflammatory reaction to the virus.”
Another possibility: a cocovated sore throat could feel worse today than it did it earlier in the pandemic, because the original virus had more serious systemic symptoms, diverting attention from the individual those Like a sore throat, says Chin-Hong.
What works for a sore throat?
- Anti-inflammatory drugs. “(The data show that) the most effective thing for sore throat is systemic therapy,” said Chin-Hong. Think of over -the -counter pain relievers as ibuprofen. If swallowing the pills is painful, try a liquid form, he said.
- Smuggling agents, as throat spraying and passages with benzocainecan be effective for short -term relief. Do not ignore the instructions of the package Because improper use can be dangerous. “You just try to finish the pain for a few days when it is at worst,” said Kelly.
- Menthol Lezes. Menthol Affects nervous activity in the throat, causing a slight numb effect for a short period.
- Hot or cold liquids. No high -quality study exists for these interventions, but many doctors always recommend hot tea and soup, or ice shavings and ice cream. “It is in a way where medicine crosses: what seems to work for you?” What does your mom do?“Said Kelly.
What not TO DO:
- Do not ask for your doctor for antibiotics. “Viruses are the most common cause of sore throat,” said Chin -Hong – and antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. In addition: “Surprising in antibiotics is bad for the microbiome and to increase the risk of thrush and yeast infections.”
- Do not assume that steroids are a quick solution. “Sometimes people try to reach steroids for pain associated with sore throat,” said Chin-Hong, but steroids can have an immune-suppressive effect. In a 2025 studyPeople who have taken a corticosteroid for a light or moderate cocovio had more durable symptoms than those who have taken a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. They were also more likely to be hospitalized.
- Do not apply the pressure. You may have seen Tiktok influencers praising “throat massage” techniques for a sore throat. Your neck is rich with delicate blood vessels and tissues that can be easily damaged with too much pressure, Kelly said. Leave the massage to trained experts.
What should you do if you have a sore throat?
Give a test at home hairstyle. (They always work for new variants.) If the test is positive, you can ask your doctor if you are a candidate for an antiviral medication to help you recover more quickly. If it is negative, get back in 24 hours to confirm. When the throat pain is your only symptom, it can take a few days before nasal swab tests can detect the virus, said Chin-Hong.
Monitor the symptoms that get worse, which might mean that you have a serious bacterial infection or an abscess. See a doctor if:
- Throat pain is much worse than other symptoms.
- This is the worst throat that you have ever had.
- You notice signs of an obstruction of the throat, such as hoarseness, drool or difficulty.
Your doctor can make a throat cultivation to strepttoque. If it’s positive, you will probably see yourself prescribing antibiotics to prevent infection from spreading. “We want to prevent bad things on the road, such as heart disease, fever rheumatism or kidney disease,” said Chin-Hong.
Should you worry about Nimbus?
Although American cases are still relatively low, “it could lead to a summer increase or a wave in the coming months,” said Kelly. This is a good time to get a recall vaccine, especially if you are 65 or older or if you have a chronic medical condition, he said. The now -available coasty vaccines have been formulated to target omicron variants.
