There is a new strain of COVID-19 traveling fast in the United States, and it has acquired alarming nicknames like Razor Blade COVID. The latest data shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that the Nimbus variant, or officially NB.1.8.1, is now part of 37 percent of all COVID cases in the U.S., which is twice as large as the situation was only a month ago.
Those who have contracted this variant are complaining of sore throat symptoms so bad that most of them are saying that it feels like they are swallowing shards of glass or sharp metal, like razor blades. Though the general COVID symptoms, such as chills, fever, cough, and the loss of the sense of smell, remain, this extreme symptom of the throat being described as a razor blade one is what makes Nimbus unique.
According to one pulmonologist, Dr. Ahmed Salem at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, he explains:
“It is not a sore throat. People complain that they feel as though glass is chopping them. It is quite frightening to most people.”
Although the symptoms are rather disturbing, Dr. Salem underlines that Nimbus seems to be less threatening in the context of global severity. Luckily, it is already less virulent to date. He added, We are not looking at more deaths.
Why It Matters: High Spread Rate, New Symptoms, but Low Hospitalization
Despite the Nimbus Razor Blade variant being more uncomfortable to deal with, particularly because of the severe pain in the throat. It does not appear to put people at more risk in regards to hospitalization and death at this point, partially alleviating the burden on health specialists. The World Health Organization (WHO) has termed the variant under monitoring. Reason Bieng, it spreads so fast and has yet to increase the alarm levels around the globe. Compared to the same time last year, the total number of cases in relation to COVID is still low. The situation is both nationally and in the county of San Diego. The rate of dissemination is significant. At the present rate of expansion, the health officials believe that Nimbus can easily be the leading strain. And, this will happen till the end of Jun 2025
Expert or Public Reactions
It is in this light that the medical fraternity is calling on people to remain composed despite the fears that people are harboring regarding the severe nature of the new symptoms. Dr. Salem still reminds patients and the population that the generally accepted precautions against COVID still exist. And the vaccines already developed work:
“The numbers and those who have already studied this have been claiming that the COVID vaccination should work against this variant.”
Even when the symptoms occur, treatment is not different from the former variants. Salem suggests:
- Saltwater gargles
- Throat sprays of lidocaine
- Lozenges
- Sleep and water intake
The sore throat may take around a week, but the symptoms may not be advanced to life-threatening. The experts are also emphasizing that the infected should sequester themselves until they stop having a fever for 24 hours. After which they should mask up for another five days. CDC also suggests that it is recommended to test on days 1, 3, and 5 after exposure to any known positive patient and monitor the symptoms, and wear masks in society within that period.
So far, the public reaction has been a mix of concern and frustration. Social media platforms are buzzing with users sharing their experiences with Nimbus:
“It felt like I was swallowing glass for five days straight,” wrote one San Diego resident on Twitter.
“This is the worst sore throat I’ve ever had, and I’ve had strep throat multiple times,” shared another.
What’s Next? Monitoring, Messaging, and Medical Advice
As the Nimbus variant also shows further expansion, the local and national health officials remain on the alert. Testing sites, pharmacies, and hospitals are being revamped on the latest CDC data to make sure that individuals are aware of the variant and how they should act in case them being infected. The spread of already devastating COVID-19 will continue to grow during summer holidays, increasing the possibility of the passage of the new variant because of its high transmissibility. Dr. Salem and other health officials once again remind people not to panic, as COVID vaccines continue to work and the healthcare system is not overloaded.
Some other steps you can take at this moment are:
- Making sure to get essential things to take care of the throat (lozenges, sprays, warm tea)
- Using masks in indoor places where there are a lot of people
- Pre-travel or pre-event testing
- Getting maintenance after shots when eligible
The fact that the number of cases is not so enormous does not mean that the fast expansion of Nimbus Razor Blade cases can be neglected, according to experts. The distinctive symptoms are not lethal but are disturbing. In positive cases, self-isolation and symptom control at home will be important in the treatment of the disease.
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