“Razor blade throat” is a term used to describe a severe, painful sore throat reported by some people infected with the NB.1.8.1 COVID-19 variant, nicknamed “Nimbus.” It’s characterized as feeling like swallowing shards of glass or razor blades, often more intense than a typical sore throat. The symptom has gained attention with the spread of Nimbus, first detected in China in January 2025 and now circulating in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. It accounted for about 37% of U.S. COVID cases in early June 2025, per the CDC.
Key Points About Razor Blade Throat and COVID:
- Symptoms: Beyond the hallmark sore throat, Nimbus causes typical COVID symptoms like fever, cough, fatigue, congestion, nausea, and occasionally loss of taste or smell. The sore throat is reported by up to 70% of COVID patients, though its intensity with Nimbus has drawn notice.
- Cause: The pain results from the virus directly infecting throat cells, causing inflammation (pharyngitis). This is not unique to Nimbus; severe sore throats have been noted with earlier Omicron variants.
- Not New: Despite media buzz, experts emphasize that “razor blade throat” isn’t a novel symptom. It’s been described in prior COVID waves, especially with Omicron, and even in 2022 cases.
- Severity: There’s no evidence Nimbus causes more severe disease overall or that its sore throat is uniquely worse than other variants. Anecdotal reports highlight its intensity, but no peer-reviewed data confirms it’s more common or distinct.
Comparison to Strep Throat:
Razor blade throat and strep throat share similarities but are distinct conditions with different causes and implications.
| Aspect | Razor Blade Throat (COVID/Nimbus) | Strep Throat |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Viral (SARS-CoV-2, Nimbus variant). | Bacterial (Group A Streptococcus). |
| Sore Throat Description | Severe, “glass shards” or “razor blades,” may last 2–7 days. | Severe, painful swallowing, often with white patches on tonsils. |
| Other Symptoms | Cough, fever, fatigue, loss of taste/smell, congestion, nausea. | Fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, no cough or runny nose. |
| Diagnosis | PCR or rapid antigen test for COVID-19. | Rapid strep test or throat culture. |
| Treatment | Symptom relief (lozenges, ibuprofen, honey, hydration); antivirals for high-risk cases. | Antibiotics (penicillin/amoxicillin); symptom relief. |
| Complications | Rarely leads to bacterial co-infections; Long COVID possible. | Untreated can cause heart/kidney damage, rheumatic fever. |
| Contagion | Highly transmissible via droplets, aerosols. | Highly contagious via droplets, close contact. |
- Similarities: Both can cause intense throat pain, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Some describe the pain as comparable. It’s possible to have both infections simultaneously, complicating symptoms.
- Differences: Strep throat doesn’t typically cause respiratory symptoms like cough or runny nose, which are common with COVID. Strep may show white patches or pus on tonsils, less common in COVID. COVID’s sore throat is often milder and shorter (2–5 days) unless severe, as with Nimbus.
- Testing is Key: A severe sore throat warrants testing for both COVID (via PCR/antigen) and strep (rapid test or culture) to confirm the cause, as treatments differ significantly.
Is Razor Blade Throat Basically Strep Throat?
No, it’s not. While the throat pain can feel similar, razor blade throat is caused by a viral infection (COVID-19), whereas strep throat is bacterial. The distinction matters because strep requires antibiotics to prevent complications like rheumatic fever, while COVID’s sore throat is managed with supportive care unless severe. Misdiagnosing one for the other could delay proper treatment. For example, antibiotics won’t help viral pharyngitis, and untreated strep can spread or cause organ damage.
What to Do:
- Test: If you have a severe sore throat, test for COVID-19 (at-home rapid test or PCR) and see a doctor for a strep test if symptoms include fever, white patches, or no respiratory signs.
- Treat Symptoms: For COVID-related sore throat, use lozenges, throat sprays, warm tea with honey, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen. Stay hydrated with ice chips or popsicles.
- Prevent: Practice hand hygiene, wear masks in crowded areas, and stay up to date on COVID vaccinations to reduce risk.
- Seek Care: See a doctor if the sore throat lasts over a week, worsens, or is accompanied by difficulty breathing, high fever, or neck swelling.
Critical Note:
The “razor blade throat” label has been amplified by social media and news, but some experts call it clickbait, noting severe sore throats are common across many infections, including strep, flu, or even allergies. Without rigorous data, it’s unclear if Nimbus truly causes worse throat pain than other variants. Always verify symptoms with testing rather than assuming COVID based on pain alone.
If you’re experiencing symptoms or need specific advice, consult a healthcare provider for testing and tailored guidance.
Disclaimer: SRC is not a doctor; please consult one.