By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — A newly emerging COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1—nicknamed “Nimbus”—is sweeping across the United States and rapidly becoming one of the most common strains of the virus, second only to Omicron (LP.8.1). First detected in China in January, Nimbus accounted for 0% of U.S. cases as recently as May but surged to 37% by early June, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While the World Health Organization (WHO) has labeled NB.1.8.1 a “variant under monitoring,” officials say currently approved vaccines remain effective against it and there’s no indication of increased hospitalizations or severe disease. However, the variant is bringing with it a particularly painful symptom: what’s being called “razor blade throat.” Patients are describing intense soreness that feels like swallowing shards, though its severity appears to vary.
What Are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of NB.1.8.1 mirror earlier COVID strains and include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Congestion or runny nose
- Loss of taste or smell
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Extremely sore throat (razor blade throat)
Healthcare providers urge anyone experiencing difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, or bluish lips or skin to seek immediate medical attention.
Vaccine Policy Shift Sparks Concern
Although WHO continues to support vaccination, a recent decision by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removes the COVID-19 vaccine from the CDC’s recommended schedule for healthy children and pregnant women. Vaccines will now primarily be recommended for people over 65 or with existing health concerns, sparking concern over accessibility and out-of-pocket costs for others.
Despite the policy change, the CDC still advises individuals aged 6 months and older to receive the 2024–2025 Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Local health professionals are particularly concerned about communities of color, where health disparities remain and access to healthcare can be limited.
Testing Still Available
Free COVID-19 testing remains accessible through the federal ICATT program for uninsured individuals. Over 19,000 sites nationwide offer testing; local residents can find nearby locations at testinglocator.cdc.gov/Search.