Amid reports of rising Covid-19 hospital admissions in the UK, health officials are closely monitoring the spread of a new variant, designated NB.1.8.1 and commonly referred to as ‘Nimbus’. While this variant appears highly infectious and is gaining ground globally, a particularly distinctive and painful symptom is causing concern among patients: a severe sore throat.
Described by some patients and doctors as feeling like swallowing “razor blades” or experiencing a “razor blade sensation,” this intense throat pain is a hallmark symptom reported with the Nimbus strain. The pain is often sharp, stabbing, and located at the back of the throat, making everyday actions like speaking, eating, and even staying hydrated challenging.
Beyond the Severe Sore Throat: Other Nimbus Symptoms
While the ‘razor blade throat’ stands out, the Nimbus variant presents with other common respiratory and flu-like symptoms. According to health professionals, these frequently include:
Persistent fatigue
A mild cough
Fever
Muscle aches
Nasal congestion
Some individuals have also reported digestive issues, such as nausea or diarrhoea, symptoms not always typical of previous Covid variants.
Hospital Admissions Rise in the UK
Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates an increase in Covid-19 related hospital admissions. In the week ending May 31, there were 947 patients admitted with Covid in the UK, marking a 9.4% rise compared to the preceding week. Detected cases also saw an increase, up 6.9% in the week to June 4, although widespread testing is less common now. However, it’s worth noting that the number of deaths linked to Covid decreased by 12.5% in the week ending May 30.
The Nimbus variant has been detected in small numbers in the UK and is growing internationally, becoming a dominant strain in some regions like China, the USA, and Australia.
Severity and Vaccine Effectiveness
Despite the rise in cases and the variant’s potential for high immune evasion (with vaccines and previous infections potentially being about half as effective against transmission compared to some other strains), health authorities offer some reassurance regarding severity.
Both the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the UKHSA currently state that available data does not suggest the Nimbus variant causes more severe illness than other circulating variants. Currently approved Covid-19 vaccines are still expected to remain effective against symptomatic and severe disease from NB.1.8.1.
Managing Symptoms and Seeking Help
Standard advice for managing Covid-19 symptoms still applies. If you suspect you have Covid, it’s recommended to stay home. For the severe sore throat associated with Nimbus, doctors advise standard management, including:
Getting plenty of rest.
Staying well-hydrated by drinking fluids, including warm liquids like herbal teas or broths, which can soothe the throat.
Using over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
Some find relief from throat lozenges, sprays with numbing agents, gargling with warm salt water, and using a humidifier to prevent throat dryness.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While most cases may be mild, it’s important to monitor symptoms and know when to seek further help. Contact a healthcare provider (GP or call 111) if:
Symptoms persist or worsen.
You have a high fever that lasts for several days.
You show signs of dehydration, particularly if the sore throat makes drinking difficult.
You experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness.
Individuals who are elderly, have underlying health conditions, or are pregnant should seek prompt medical advice if symptoms arise. In cases of severe distress, call 999.
Preventive measures remain consistent: practicing good hand hygiene, wearing masks in crowded or enclosed spaces, maintaining physical distance from those showing symptoms, and staying up-to-date with recommended vaccinations.
