New Covid variant 'Nimbus': Symptoms, vaccine response, and why it causes painful 'razor blade throat'
New Covid variant Nimbus symptoms: A new Covid-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, nicknamed "Nimbus," is spreading globally, including in the US and Asia. While more transmissible, it doesn't appear more dangerous. A key symptom is a severe sore throat, described as "razor blade throat," alongside typical symptoms like congestion, fatigue, and fever.
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What Is the New Covid Variant Nimbus Symptom?
New Covid Variant Nimbus: What Are Other Symptoms?
Nasal congestion or a runny nose
Fatigue
Mild cough
Fever
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Diarrhoea
Nausea or vomiting
Loss of taste or smell
Shortness of breath
New Covid Variant Nimbus: How Is It Different?
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New Covid Variant Nimbus: Should You Be Worried?
Spread across regions and airports
New Covid Variant Nimbus: What WHO is saying?
New Covid Variant Nimbus Vaccines
( Originally published on Jun 18, 2025 )
A new Covid-19 variant known as NB.1.8.1, or informally 'Nimbus,' is spreading across parts of the United States and Asia. The World Health Organization (WHO) said on May 28 that the rise in cases has been seen mainly in the eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and western Pacific regions. While the variant is believed to spread more easily, it does not appear to cause more severe illness compared to previous strains.One of the most talked-about symptoms of the Nimbus variant is a very painful sore throat, often called " razor blade throat ". People have described the feeling as similar to swallowing glass or razor blades. Reports suggest that this symptom appears to be more intense than those caused by earlier variantsPeople infected with the Nimbus variant have also reported the following symptoms:Less commonly, some patients are also experiencing:Doctors say that the main difference with this variant is the severity of the sore throat. While past variants also caused throat pain, this one seems to cause more intense discomfort. The sore throat comes from irritation caused by infection in the throat's cells.However, many experts believe the overall set of symptoms still matches those of previous Covid-19 strains.So far, there is no strong evidence that Nimbus leads to more serious illness. But those who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised might still face higher risks, especially for breathing problems.The variant made up nearly 11% of globally sequenced samples by mid-May, according to WHO. U.S. airport screenings detected the variant in travellers arriving from affected regions into California, Washington, Virginia, and New York.The WHO has said that although some western Pacific countries have reported more Covid cases and hospitalizations, there is no current evidence showing that the Nimbus variant causes more severe illness.The WHO has classified Nimbus as a 'variant under monitoring' and stated that it poses a low risk to global public health. Existing Covid-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against it.Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said last month that Covid-19 shots are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women. The announcement was immediately questioned by several public health experts.(Inputs from agencies)
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