New Delhi:

 If you’ve recently experienced an excruciating sore throat that feels like your throat is lined with razor blades, you’re not alone. Health experts say this sharp, painful symptom—referred to as “razor blade throat”—may be a key indicator of a new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, which is currently under observation by the World Health Organization (WHO). Although the WHO has classified the global health risk of NB.1.8.1 as low, they emphasize that monitoring is crucial as this strain continues to spread. First identified in China in January, NB.1.8.1 has since gained ground in multiple regions, including the United States.

What makes NB 1.8.1 different?

NB.1.8.1 is a subvariant of the Omicron lineage and is considered a slight evolution of the LP.8.1 variant. Experts say that this new variant may spread more easily and evade immune protection better than its predecessor.

How common is NB.1.8.1?

According to recent estimates from the CDC’s Nowcast tracker (for the period from May 25 to June 7), NB.1.8.1 accounts for approximately 37% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. This makes it the second most prevalent variant, just behind LP.8.1 at 38%. Other notable strains include XFG (8%), XFC (7%), and LF.7.9 (4%).

‘Razor Blade Throat’

One of the most discussed symptoms associated with NB.1.8.1 is a severe sore throat that patients liken to swallowing razor blades. Some patients described the symptom as starting with a scratchy sensation and rapidly worsening into painful swallowing and disrupted sleep. While sore throat has been common with past variants, the severity reported with NB.1.8.1 seems to be making it a notable symptom.

Other uncommon symptoms of NB.1.8.1

Although the CDC has not shared a list of confirmed symptoms of the NB.1.8.1 variant of COVID, doctors say that most of the signs are in sync with previous strains of the infection, such as:

Cough

Congestion

Loss of smell or taste

Nausea

Body aches

Headaches

Fever

Chills

Fatigue

Shortness of breath

Headaches

Runny nose

Congestion

ome of the severe symptoms are:

Confusion

Difficulty breathing

Chest pain

Blue tinge in the nail beds or on the lips

How to protect yourself from NB.1.8.1

WHO maintains that existing COVID-19 vaccines remain effective in preventing severe illness and symptoms related to NB.1.8.1. The CDC currently recommends that everyone aged six months and older receive the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine, especially those who are:

Pregnant or planning pregnancy

Residing in long-term care facilities

Concerned about long COVID

Over 65 years old

Immunocompromised

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