'Razor Blade Throat' Pain: New COVID-19 Symptom Emerges With Nimbus Variant

After a period of relative quiet, COVID-19 is once again on the rise globally. While the new Nimbus variant is currently under observation and generally causes mild illness, a particularly unpleasant symptom is emerging: severe throat pain, often described as "Razor Blade throat." Patients report a sharp, intense pain that makes swallowing feel like a formidable challenge. What exactly is this symptom, and why is it so painful?

Decoding the "Razor Blade" Sore Throat

The term "razor blade" sore throat vividly illustrates the excruciating throat pain associated with the Nimbus variant. Unlike milder sore throats experienced with earlier COVID strains, this symptom is characterized by its extreme sharpness and intensity. Many individuals find swallowing even water to be a painful ordeal. This symptom was initially observed in China following the emergence of the variant in May 2025 and has since spread to the U.S. and other nations. Currently, Nimbus accounts for approximately one-third of COVID-19 cases in the U.S.

Unpacking the Pain: Why So Severe?

COVID-19 primarily targets the respiratory system, entering the body through the nose, mouth, and throat – all components of the upper respiratory tract. In the initial stages of infection, the virus replicates within the throat lining, triggering the body's immune response. This leads to inflammation and swelling of the throat tissues.

With the Nimbus variant, this immune reaction appears to be particularly strong or localized in the throat region. Experts suggest several potential contributing factors:

• Increased virulence: The Nimbus variant might possess a greater capacity to infect throat cells, resulting in heightened damage and irritation.
• Amplified immune response: Due to prior vaccination or previous COVID-19 infections, individuals' immune systems may exhibit a more robust response to Nimbus. The throat's abundance of lymph nodes and immune cells can lead to intense inflammation upon activation, serving as a protective mechanism for the body.
• Viral evolution: As the virus evolves, its symptom patterns can shift. While earlier variants were often associated with loss of taste and smell, newer variants like Nimbus seem to prioritize throat pain.

Differentiating the Pain: Is it Just a Sore Throat?

Sore throats can arise from various causes, including the common cold, flu, allergies, acid reflux, or bacterial infections like strep throat. The defining characteristic of the COVID-19 "razor blade" sore throat is the extreme sharpness and severity of the pain, though this symptom is not exclusive to COVID-19.

Medical professionals caution that the overlap in symptoms with other illnesses can make it challenging to determine whether a sore throat is caused by COVID-19 or another ailment. If the pain is intense or persists for more than a few days, it is crucial to get tested for COVID-19. Even if the test result is negative, consulting a doctor is advised to determine if antibiotics are necessary to address any underlying infection.

Other Common Symptoms

Besides the characteristic severe sore throat, Nimbus presents symptoms similar to those observed with other COVID-19 variants:

• Fever (ranging from low to high grade)
• Persistent Cough
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• Loss of taste or smell (less frequently reported)

Some individuals might also experience swollen lymph nodes or difficulty swallowing due to throat inflammation.

Finding Relief: Soothing the Pain

Despite the intensity of the pain, several home remedies can provide relief:

• Stay hydrated: Consume ample fluids, such as water, warm tea, or broth, to soothe the throat and prevent dryness. Avoid excessively hot beverages, as they can further irritate the throat. Lukewarm temperatures are ideal.
• Use throat lozenges: These can temporarily numb the throat and alleviate pain.
• Gargle with warm salt water: This helps reduce inflammation and eliminate some bacteria in the throat. Ensure the water is warm, not hot.
• Rest your voice: Minimize talking to prevent further irritation.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Consult a doctor before use.

If your sore throat worsens, persists for more than a week, or is accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek immediate medical attention.

Sources:

WebMD, “Why COVID 'Razor Blade' Sore Throat Hurts So Bad,” June 26, 2025

Everyday Health, “How to Cope With a COVID-19 Sore Throat,” June 23, 2025

Healthline, “New COVID Variant Nimbus May Cause Painful ‘Razor Blade Throat’ Symptom,” June 19, 2025