Is razor blade throat really a sign of the newest COVID variant?

Published: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 6:37 am

Razor Blade Throat: Is It a Sign of the Latest COVID Variant?

Recent headlines have linked a severe sore throat, described as "razor blade throat," to the NB.1.8.1 COVID variant, which is currently dominant in the United States. The term originated in China, where the strain was initially detected. Social media users have reported experiencing this intense symptom, attributing it to NB.1.8.1, which was first identified in the U.S. in March.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NB.1.8.1 has become the dominant strain in the nation, accounting for approximately 43% of cases in June. This raises the question of whether this variant presents unique symptoms.

Experts suggest that while a very painful sore throat is a possible symptom of COVID, there is no evidence to suggest it is specific to NB.1.8.1. Some variation in symptoms may exist, but it is not distinct enough to be a defining characteristic. Low COVID vaccination rates this season may make patients more susceptible to severe illness. However, experts emphasize that this variant is likely not an outlier. Data indicates that NB.1.8.1 is not more deadly or likely to result in hospitalization compared to other variants.

The variant's success is attributed to its ability to evade immunity. However, despite its dominance, COVID is not spreading at an exceptional rate. Wastewater levels of COVID are low across the country, and COVID hospitalization rates have fallen to their lowest levels since the pandemic's start. This suggests that immunity, both from vaccination and prior infection, is playing a significant role in mitigating the virus's impact.

BNN's Perspective:

While the emergence of a new dominant variant always warrants attention, the current data suggests that NB.1.8.1 does not pose a significantly greater threat than previous strains. The focus should remain on maintaining good hygiene practices and staying up-to-date with vaccinations to protect against severe illness.

Keywords: COVID, NB.1.8.1, razor blade throat, sore throat, variant, symptoms, CDC, hospitalization, immunity, vaccination

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