Razor blade throat Covid variant spreading very fast in U.S - Americans need to keep these things in mind
A new COVID variant called Nimbus is spreading in the US. This variant, officially known as NB.1.8.1, causes severe sore throats. Health experts are monitoring it closely due to summer travel. Nimbus appears to spread more easily. Vaccination is still important. The elderly and immunocompromised should take precautions.
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
What makes this new variant different?
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Should you worry about Nimbus this summer?
Why is 'razor blade throat' trending?
Is a sore throat a direct symptom of COVID?
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
What should Americans do?
FAQs
A new variant of COVID is spreading in the US. The NB.1.8.1 COVID variant , which is also called Nimbus, is spreading quickly and making a lot of people have a very sore throat that feels like they're almost swallowing glass.Health experts are keeping a close eye on it because summer travel makes it more likely to spread.In California, the new " razor blade throat " COVID subvariant rapidly gains traction. In a recent report, the World Health Organization labeled the variant, officially known as NB.1.8.1, a 'variant under monitoring' on May 23. It's not a serious threat at the moment, but it's spreading quickly enough to cause concern, as per a report by Sf Gate.By the end of April, it accounted for 10.7% of COVID-19 samples worldwide, up from 2.5% a month earlier.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the variant, which is colloquially known as "Nimbus," accounted for an estimated 37% of cases in the United States over the two weeks ending June 7, as per a report by Fox News.Though not more virulent, Nimbus seems to be easier to spread. The virus's spike protein, which aids in cell infection, is one of the many genetic alterations in the variant, which was initially discovered in January. Some of those modifications may facilitate its spread or help the body evade the immune response, particularly in people who have already been vaccinated or infected, as per areport by SF Gate.According to state officials, the variant is currently expanding more quickly than other strains and is being closely monitored using wastewater surveillance and genomic sequencing.Test positive rates have gradually increased from 1.1% in March to 2.8% by June, despite wastewater levels seemingly stabilizing in recent weeks. The agency stated that hospitalization rates are still low and stable in spite of this..Many of the COVID subvariants have a characteristic feature, including the "razor-sharp" sore throat that Nimbus has been known to induce.Patients have been complaining of excruciatingly painful sore throats; some have likened the feeling to swallowing glass or razor blades.South Carolina emergency room physician Kenneth Perry, M.D., concurred that the main symptoms of every COVID strain have evolved.However, various sore throats have always been experienced by people with COVID," he stated, "and they are more commonly reported with Omicron. In fact, 70% of people have reported having a sore throat with COVID."A severe sore throat is not a new symptom, nor does it always suggest that COVID is the cause. Acid reflux, bacterial infections, and allergies are some of the causes of pharyngitis, the medical term for a sore throat.The cause of throat pain will determine how it is treated, so it's critical to get a medical diagnosis from a professional.Traditional medicines and treatments for pharyngitis include honey, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and over-the-counter antacids. While an over-the-counter antacid may be sufficient to treat acid reflux, antibiotics may be necessary for bacterial infections."Patients may have difficulty keeping up with hydration or even trouble taking medicine to help their symptoms due to the pain in their throat, which can cause them to be dehydrated.'According to the Cleveland Clinic, gargling a solution made with ½ teaspoon salt per cup of water can reduce throat irritation and inflammation.Numbing the throat, gargling, sucking on lozenges, and drinking plenty of water can all help to relieve symptoms.In the United States, the new NB.1.8.1 variant has started to spread, and the current vaccine should protect against it. Those who are elderly or immunocompromised should update their vaccinations and wear masks as precautions.It's a severe sore throat, a symptom of the new NB.1.8.1 variant. Some say it's like swallowing shards of glass.Not necessarily. It spreads faster, but experts believe it is not as severe as previous strains. It is still important to keep up with vaccinations.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
XFG dominant strain, multiple Omicron subvariants spreading in Maharashtra, reveals genome study
Pune: Multiple emerging Covid-19 strains — all Omicron subvariants — were spreading across the state, Maharashtra's genome sequencing surveillance revealed. The latest sequencing data from 184 samples across 10 districts showed XFG as the currently dominant variant with 84 cases. It was followed by 38 unassigned variants, 34 LF.7.9 cases, 27 JN.1 cases and one NB.1.8.1 case detected in Pune. Nine samples from Mumbai were detected with the XFG subvariant, while three others with LF. 7.9. The NB.1.8.1, identified in a 29-year-old woman from Pune, showed high ACE2 affinity and immune evasion, hinting at the variant's potential to dominate future surges as per recent studies. ACE2 acts as a receptor for the spike protein of coronaviruses, allowing the virus to enter host cells. XFG, dominating in Maharashtra, and LF.7.9 are noted for their strong immune escape because of specific mutations, though their lower receptor-binding efficiency may require further adaptations. Dr Rajesh Karyakarte, Maharashtra's genome sequencing coordinator, BJ Medical College, told TOI, "After NB.1.8.1 was identified in Hong Kong as causing a surge in Covid cases, we at BJGMC, Pune, and NIV, Pune, parallelly started sequencing RT-PCR positive Covid-19 samples for the presence of this SARS-CoV-2 variant. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esse novo alarme com câmera é quase gratuito em Eugenópolis (consulte o preço) Alarmes Undo CSIR-NCL, Pune's study also showed a spike in SARS-CoV-2 signals. Our findings after whole genome sequencing (WGS) revealed XFG to be the most dominant variant in the state, which wasn't a dominant global variant at that time around the world. We also identified LF.7.9 as another major variant in tested samples." Dr Karyakarte said, "The numbers confirm that XFG drove the current surge and not NB.1.8.1 (labelled Variant Under Monitoring [VUM] by WHO). After studying the sequences uploaded on WHO recommended GISAID database, it is clear that NB.1.8.1 is more common in Southeast Asia, while XFG prevails in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh — possibly because of immunity factors. Recently, XFG has also been rising in the US." Dr Ameet Dravid, infectious disease expert, Noble Hospital, said, "XFG is merely an Omicron sub-variant, similar to those in circulation during the third wave in 2022. Thanks to immunity built from previous infections, we're seeing very few severe cases this time. XFG is highly transmissible because of mutations that allow it to spread easily from person to person, leading to many upper respiratory tract infections. Its capacity to damage lungs or cause complications is minimal. So, patients with these symptoms are recovering well with outpatient treatment." Dr Dravid said, "Only a tiny fraction requires admission for pneumonia or ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome), the complications we saw in the first three waves. The damage has been limited despite low vaccination rates and waning vaccine-induced immunity over the last three years. We're relieved there hasn't been a significant surge in Covid admissions. While cases are increasing, most are mild, and improving with symptomatic care like nasal decongestants, cough suppressants and paracetamol for fever or body aches. " Hospitals in the city reported a noticeable uptick in Covid cases this week compared to previous weeks. Daily or alternate-day deaths, mostly among those with pre-existing conditions, have been recorded. The state health data indicated 31 fatalities since January this year — as many as 30 linked to comorbidities and one to another illness. Infectious disease specialists said this trend mirrored past surges. Individuals with underlying health issues remain vulnerable as infections rise. Dr Piyush Chaudhary, infectious disease specialist, Jehangir Hospital, said, "This variant (XFG) appears mild, but even mild strains can lead to some mortality, especially if the number of cases is high. The elderly or those with comorbidities may experience severe outcomes. We also haven't seen worsening severity — patients in ICU were there because of other medical conditions, not Covid itself. We must determine if Covid contributed to deaths or if underlying comorbidities were the primary cause. Currently, it seems, comorbidities, not Covid, are driving severe cases this season. Case numbers are definitely rising, though many with mild symptoms aren't testing. Among those tested, the positivity rate has increased proportionally."
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
US healthcare almost broke, Medicare and Social Security's trust funds will have no money by this date
The financial health of America's two most critical safety-net programs, Medicare and Social Security, is deteriorating faster than expected. An annual report released Wednesday, June 18, by program trustees shows that rising health care costs, demographic pressures, and a new law expanding Social Security benefits have accelerated the timeline for when the programs become out of money and cannot pay full benefits. The Medicare hospital insurance trust fund is now expected to run out of money in 2033, three years earlier than projected just last year. Meanwhile, Social Security's combined trust funds, which support retirement and disability benefits, will be depleted by 2034, a year earlier than previously forecast. At that point, beneficiaries would see a significant reduction in monthly payments unless Congress intervenes. The updated projections concern the long-term solvency of these programs, which tens of millions of Americans depend on for health care and income security. Medicare's Trust Fund to Be Exhausted by 2033 Live Events The report highlights that Medicare's hospital insurance (Part A) trust fund faces a steeper decline due to higher-than-expected health care expenses in 2024. The fund posted a surplus of $29 billion last year, but deficits are expected to begin after 2027, leading to full depletion by 2033. Once exhausted, Medicare will only be able to cover 89% of inpatient care costs, such as hospital visits, hospice services, and post-hospital nursing care. Currently, about 68 million people are enrolled in Medicare, including Americans over age 65 and those with severe illnesses or disabilities. Social Security Set to Pay Reduced Benefits by 2034 Social Security's combined trust funds, which support retirees and disability recipients, are projected to be depleted by 2034, one year earlier than last year's forecast of 2035. After that date, the program would only be able to pay 81% of scheduled benefits, if no changes are made. This accelerated timeline results in part from the Social Security Fairness Act passed in January 2025. This law repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, increasing benefits for some workers. Trustees confirmed that this legislative change worsened the trust fund's depletion. Urgency Builds for Legislative Action Trustees of both programs urged lawmakers to act swiftly. 'Medicare still faces a substantial financial shortfall that needs to be addressed with further legislation,' the report said. Frank Bisignano, the newly appointed Social Security Commissioner, said that stabilizing the trust funds is a top priority for the Trump administration, which has so far pledged not to cut benefits. Despite this, experts warn that without new revenue or cost controls, both programs risk serious disruption. Nancy Altman of Social Security Works argued that lawmakers must decide: raise revenue or cut benefits. 'There are two options for action,' she said. 'Any politician who doesn't support increasing Social Security's revenue is, by default, supporting benefit cuts.' AARP CEO Myechia Minter-Jordan added that with over 69 million Americans relying on Social Security, 'the stability of this vital program only becomes more important.' Demographics and Debt Add Pressure The Congressional Budget Office has repeatedly warned that an aging population is the main driver of rising debt related to Social Security and Medicare. The last major Social Security reform occurred about 40 years ago, when the eligibility age was raised from 65 to 67. Medicare eligibility remains at age 65. Several legislative proposals are currently being considered to address the trust funds' financial outlook. However, none have yet been passed.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
US set to drop daily alcohol limit from dietary guidelines: Report
The updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which could be released as early as this month, are expected to include a brief statement encouraging Americans to drink in moderation Reuters US Dietary Guidelines are expected to eliminate the long-standing recommendation that adults limit alcohol consumption to one or two drinks per day, according to three sources familiar with the matter, in what could be a major win for an industry threatened by heightened scrutiny of alcohol's health effects. The updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which could be released as early as this month, are expected to include a brief statement encouraging Americans to drink in moderation or limit alcohol intake due to associated health risks, the sources said. The guidelines are still under development and subject to change, two of the sources and a fourth individual familiar with the process said. Currently, the recommendations advise limiting drinking to one serving or less per day for women and two or less for men, widely seen as a moderate level. Similar guidelines exist in countries such as the United Kingdom, which advises limiting drinking to 14 units per week, while Canada, however, has adopted a more cautious stance, warning that health risks begin to increase after just two drinks per week. Even moderate drinking is linked to some health risks, such as higher risk of breast cancer, though some studies have also found an association with possible health benefits, such as a lower risk of stroke. The fourth source said that the scientific basis for recommending specific daily limits is limited, and the goal is to ensure the guidelines reflect only the most robust evidence. The new guidelines, developed by the US Department of Health and Human Services and the US Department of Agriculture, are closely watched internationally and influence policies ranging from school lunch programs to medical advice. Neither department responded to requests for comment. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known teetotaler, has remained largely silent on alcohol but has emphasised a focus on whole foods in the upcoming guidelines. Some alcohol executives had feared a move towards tighter recommendations on alcohol intake as authorities like the World Health Organization upped their warnings about alcohol's health risks. Former US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said alcohol consumption increases the risk of at least seven types of cancer and called for warning labels on alcoholic drinks. Major industry players, including Diageo and Anheuser-Busch InBev, have lobbied lawmakers throughout the review process. Senate records show the companies spent millions on lobbying efforts related to the guidelines and a range of other issues such as tax and trade in 2024 and 2025. Both companies declined to comment. Shares in alcohol companies rose shortly after the announcement, with both AB InBev and Diageo's shares hitting an intraday high. The new guidelines are set to move away from suggesting consumers limit alcohol consumption to a specific number of daily servings, according to the three sources, who asked not to be named in order to speak freely. One person said the new alcohol-related recommendation will probably be limited to a sentence or two. Another said the existing numbers tied to moderate drinking could still appear in a longer appendix. While industry representatives have lobbied lawmakers on the guidelines or how they should be decided, some officials and researchers advocated for tighter restrictions. Reports intended to inform the guidelines have meanwhile drawn different conclusions about alcohol's health effects and the science around this. 'UNHELPFUL' Science Over Bias, a group representing US growers, producers, distributors and retailers of beer wine and spirits, said the industry has consistently maintained that the guidelines should be determined by sound scientific evidence and free from bias or conflicts of interest. "Information on responsible alcohol consumption has been part of the Dietary Guidelines for decades and has provided useful guidance for consumers who choose to consume alcohol and their health care providers," the group said. The guidelines, which are reviewed every five years, have advised drinking in moderation and defined that as no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two for men since 1990. Eva Greenthal, a senior policy scientist at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a non-profit focused on nutrition, health and food safety, said the more general language expected in the guidelines was "so vague as to be unhelpful". Under such a change, the message that even moderate drinking can increase risks, especially for breast cancer, would get lost, she continued. Two studies were produced to inform the development of the guidelines. The first found that moderate drinking was associated with increased risk of some cancers, but a decreased risk of dying from any cause and some cardiovascular problems like stroke. The evidence for some other health impacts was insufficient to draw conclusions, it found. The other report conversely found the risk of dying from alcohol use, including increased risk for seven cancers, begins at any or low levels of alcohol use and increases with higher consumption.
