'Razor Blade throat' emerges as new symptom of Covid 19: Why does it hurt so much
After lying low for a couple of years, COVID-19 has made a comeback, with fresh cases emerging all across the world. The new variant, nicknamed Nimbus remains under observation, and doctors say that it does not cause severe illness, and most people are recovering at home by resting it out, and keeping themselves hydrated.
However, one symptom that is increasingly being seen with this new variant is a severe throat pain, also known as "Razor Blade throat". It is said that this pain is so sharp that it feels like swallowing razor blades (hence the name). But, what is this new symptom, and why does it hurt so much? We take a look...
What Is the 'Razor Blade' Sore Throat
The 'razor blade' sore throat is a term used to describe the excruciating throat pain caused by the Nimbus variant of COVID-19.
Unlike the milder sore throats people experienced with earlier COVID strains, this one feels extremely sharp and painful. Many patients say swallowing food or even water seems like a Herculean task. This symptom was first reported in China when the variant emerged in May 2025 and has since spread to the U.S.
and other countries. Now, Nimbus accounts for about a third of COVID cases in the U.S.
Why does it cause so much pain
COVID-19 is essentially a respiratory infection that infects the body through the nose, mouth, and throat, which are part of the upper respiratory tract.
In the early days of infection, the virus multiplies in the lining of the throat. This triggers the body's immune system to react, causing inflammation and swelling in the throat tissues.
With the Nimbus variant, this immune response seems especially strong or focused in the throat area. Doctors say these could be some of the reasons...
New variant:
Nimbus may have the capacity for infecting throat cells more aggressively than earlier variants, causing more damage and irritation.
Immune system reaction:
Because many people are vaccinated or have had COVID before, their immune systems may respond more strongly to Nimbus. The throat has many lymph nodes and immune cells, which can cause intense inflammation when activated, as a means to protect the body.
Change in virus pattern:
As the virus changes, its patterns also shift. Earlier variants caused more loss of taste and smell, but newer ones like Nimbus cause more throat pain.
How is it different from regular sore throats
Sore throats can be caused by many things like the common cold, flu, allergies, acid reflux, or bacterial infections such as strep throat. What makes the COVID 'razor blade' sore throat stand out is the extreme sharpness and severity of the pain. (though extreme throat pain is not exclusive to Covid 19)
Doctors warn that because this symptom overlaps with other illnesses, it can be hard to tell if a sore throat is from COVID or something else.
If the pain is severe, or lasts longer than a few days, it's important to get tested for COVID-19. Even if you don't have Covid, the doctor will suggest if you need antibiotics to calm the infection or not.
Other symptoms
Besides the severe sore throat, Nimbus causes symptoms similar to other COVID variants, including:
Fever (can be high or low grade)
Whooping Cough
Fatigue
Muscle aches
Headaches
Loss of taste or smell (less common now)
Some people may also experience swollen lymph nodes or difficulty swallowing because of throat inflammation.
How can you get relief
While the pain can be intense, there are ways to ease the discomfort at home:
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like water, warm tea, or broth to soothe the throat and prevent dryness. However, stay away from extreme hot beverages as well, as they can further irritate your throat. Lukewarm is the best temperature.
Use throat lozenges: These can numb the throat and reduce pain temporarily.
Gargle with warm (not hot) salt water: This helps reduce inflammation and kills some bacteria in the throat.
Rest your voice: Avoid talking too much to prevent further irritation.
Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. (check with a doctor first)
If your sore throat worsens, lasts more than a week, or is accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek medical attention immediately.
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
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