‘Razor blade throat': The COVID symptom alarming people right now
Severe sore throat
draws attention in COVID-19 cases
Patients infected with COVID-19 are increasingly reporting an intense sore throat symptom, described by some as feeling like 'razor blades' in the throat. The term 'razor blade throat' has gained traction in parts of China, and search trends in the United States suggest growing concern over this specific symptom.
According to Google trends, searches such as 'new COVID variant painful symptom' and 'COVID razor throat' are on the rise. However, health experts stress that the symptom itself is not new or unique to any recent COVID-19 variant. While the description may sound alarming, physicians note that sore throat has long been among the common symptoms of infection.
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Doctors confirm 'razor blade throat' is not a new symptom
'In the past, as new variants have come on the scene, there almost invariably have been questions about distinctive symptoms, and after a while, when you gather a lot of data, turns out not to be the case — all of these symptoms have occurred before,' said Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center to
The Huff Post
in Nashville.
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Schaffner noted that more recent omicron variants tend to cause less severe illness overall. Similarly, Dr. Carrie Horn, chief medical officer at National Jewish Health in Colorado, said that very sore throats have been associated with COVID-19 infections for some time. 'It's a symptom that has been associated with COVID infections for a while,' Horn said to The Huff Post.
Schaffner stated that although he had not specifically heard the 'razor blade' terminology, he had encountered reports of painful sore throats among COVID-19 patients. Not everyone experiences this intense symptom, and it is not indicative of a new or more dangerous form of the virus.
General COVID symptoms remain consistent across variants
'There is not one outstanding COVID symptom that marks an infection,' said Dr. Mark Burns, an infectious disease specialist at UofL Health in Louisville, Kentucky to The Huff Post. 'A sore throat is a symptom of this, but also fever and cough and fatigue, these are all symptoms as well.'
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Burns emphasized that the presence or intensity of a sore throat is not tied to any specific variant or form of the virus. 'To sum it all up, the symptoms, including sore throat, are really no different. There's no increased intensity based on sore throat or anything like that,' he said.
Prevention and treatment for
COVID-19 symptoms
Schaffner noted that COVID-19 infections typically surge twice a year, once in winter and once in mid-to-late summer. He reiterated the CDC Advisory Committee's recommendation that individuals at higher risk of severe illness should receive two vaccinations annually: one in the fall and another in early summer.
This guidance applies to adults aged 65 and older, individuals with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant people. 'The recommendation is take special precautions and get that extra dose, because if we get infected ... we get that extra protection and to help keep us out of the hospital,' Schaffner said.
To further reduce risk, Burns recommended masking indoors, maintaining social distance, frequent handwashing, and increasing ventilation. For those who do become infected, testing and contacting a healthcare provider are essential, especially for high-risk individuals, since effective treatments are available.
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The Covid connection behind rising measles cases across the US
Horn advised using over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage symptoms, as well as prioritizing hydration. 'There's no reason to be miserable,' she said. Despite discomfort from sore throat, drinking water and herbal teas is critical to prevent dehydration and soothe inflamed membranes.
'If you are sick, it's best to keep your germs to yourself,' Horn added. This includes skipping social events and staying home from work. If attending work is unavoidable, wearing a tight-fitting mask is strongly advised.
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