COVID-19 Surge Brings “Razor Blade Throat” Symptom
This summer has seen a noticeable increase in COVID-19 cases across various regions, including Asia, Europe, and North America. Patients have reported an extremely painful sore throat, which has gained a striking nickname: “razor blade throat.”
While this symptom isn’t entirely new, it has returned to the spotlight with the rise of a fast-spreading Omicron subvariant known as NB.1.8.1, or “Nimbus.”
Reports from patients in China and other places describe the sensation as if they are “swallowing shattered glass.” Many have struggled to speak, eat, or even stay hydrated due to the intense pain.
One user shared on Weibo, China’s popular social media, that “Post-COVID razor blade throat is brutal — swollen, painful, and I can barely speak.” Another remarked on feeling utterly drained from the experience.
Despite the alarming nickname, health experts clarify that this symptom is not exclusive to the current wave of cases.
Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at UCSF, explained that a sore throat is a common symptom of COVID-19 and isn’t linked to any particular variant, including NB.1.8.1. He mentioned that as many as 70% of infected individuals report a sore throat, alongside other typical symptoms like fatigue, mild cough, fever, muscle aches, and congestion.
The World Health Organization has stated that there is no evidence that this variant causes more severe illness compared to others currently circulating. However, they noted that this subvariant appears to be more capable of evading immunity than the dominant lineage, LP.8.1.
In China, where this wave began in March, cases are projected to peak by late June. The NB.1.8.1 variant has been identified in over 20 countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, with outbreaks reported in California, Washington, and New York.
Recently, data indicated an average of 250 weekly deaths attributed to COVID-19 in the U.S., according to the CDC.
Health professionals are continually urging everyone to keep vaccinations up to date and to take necessary precautions, especially for those in high-risk categories.
Dr. Chin-Hong noted, “To me, it’s a reminder that even if you don’t end up in urgent care or the hospital, COVID can still make you very sick in 2025. As summer arrives, we’re likely to witness another increase in cases, likely fueled by variants like NB.1.8.1.” Some wastewater data already shows a rise in certain areas.
As COVID-19 continues to be an ongoing issue, health officials stress the importance of familiar preventive measures: masks, handwashing, vaccination, and staying home when feeling unwell, irrespective of the symptoms.
For those dealing with severe throat pain, Dr. Chin-Hong recommends over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as well as soothing remedies like lozenges, throat sprays, warm tea with honey, soups, ice chips, and popsicles to help alleviate symptoms.
