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NDTV
17-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Nimbus: All About New Covid Variant That Causes "Razor Blade Throat"
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is closely monitoring a fresh rise in global Covid-19 cases, driven largely by a new variant - Nimbus (NB.1.8.1). First identified in January 2025, this sub-variant of Omicron is now spreading rapidly across several countries. Cases in the US and UK According to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID), the NB.1.8.1 variant has been detected in at least 13 US states, including California, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois. In the UK, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported a 10% jump in hospital admissions, with 947 patients admitted in the week ending May 31. Asia Sees a Surge Too Rising infections have also been reported in parts of Asia - notably China, Singapore, Thailand, and India. In India, Covid-linked deaths crossed 100 on Monday, triggering concern among health authorities. However, cases of this variant have not been reported so far. What is the Nimbus variant? Designated as NB.1.8.1, the Nimbus strain is a descendant of Omicron. WHO has listed it among six variants under close observation. Symptoms: What to Watch For The symptoms are similar to other Omicron sub-variants. As per the CDC, they include: Cough Fever Fatigue Muscle aches Congestion Headache Nausea or vomiting New loss of smell or taste In rare cases, patients have reported a condition described as "razor blade throat". Dr Ankita Baidya, HOD and Consultant - Infectious Diseases at Manipal Hospital Dwarka, told NDTV: "It is not necessary that they are going to give you a deadly disease." "This time we see a sense of loss of taste and smell along with normal viral-like symptoms like fever, cough, and cold, and other flu-like symptoms like sore throat and running nose. Headache and body ache is also noted." Is Nimbus Dangerous? The WHO, in its latest risk assessment, said the global public health risk from NB.1.8.1 remains "low". Current vaccines are expected to remain effective against both symptomatic and severe disease from this variant. Between April 21 and 27, Nimbus accounted for 10.7% of globally sequenced cases, with 518 sequences from 22 countries. Dr Baidya added: "Nimbus has been a fast-spreading strain since January 2025 and this variation has been noticed that though it's spreading fast among people it's not that deadlier as such, causing mild to moderate disease only." She also flagged another variant Besides Nimbus, another variant that has also caused concern among people is XFG, nicknamed "Stratus". It is not currently designated for monitoring by the WHO. "Stratus is right now again under scrutiny that it's also spreading fast but if we compare the number of cases that we have seen with Nimbus strain after sequencing identified as Nimbus strain, the status cases are comparatively less," Dr Baidya said. "But yes, these two variants are currently the most circulating variant and right now Nimbus is also under monitoring according to WHO, seeing how the pattern of disease and its pattern of spread is being studied simultaneously," she added.
India Today
21-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Is Covid back? As cases climb, how Indians can stay safe
The horrific Covid-19 pandemic never really got erased from our collective memory, but now, a string of new cases in India and abroad is beginning to cause panic. India had reported 257 Covid cases as of May 20, with the count expected to rise. How concerning is the situation and what should we do? Dr Ankita Baidya, head of department, infectious diseases, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, New Delhi, separates fact from fiction to help you make informed choices and stay are the new variants different?There are different new variants of Covid circulating not only in India, but globally. These are mostly derived from the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus and are subvariants of the Omicron variant. Certain mutations in the spike protein of these viruses help them to attach and cause infection in people who were already immune or have protective antibodies from earlier infection. As such, we start seeing some cases coming up from the new are the symptoms?Symptoms of Covid infections are similar to viral infections, such as fever, sore throat, cough, running nose, blocked nose, loss of taste and smell. However, these symptoms are not very commonly seen these days but still can be noticed with Covid-19 infection. Sometimes loose motion, upset stomach and headache accompany Covid-19 infection. What are the new treatments available?There are antivirals approved for Covid infection, but are mostly used in patients who are anticipated to have severe infection because of certain comorbid conditions, and are used in the early course of infection because they mainly affect the viral replication. As such, these are Remdesivir and Paxlovid. Remdesivir is intravenous. So, it is used in patients who are admitted in hospital, while Paxlovid can be used in an outpatient it is not universally recommended that all patients should be taking this medication after diagnosis of Covid. It depends on person to person and as per the risk assessment status for severe disease. Apart from the antiviral, certain supportive therapies and some anti-allergens are used depending on what symptoms the patient is having. Accordingly, supportive treatment is the one that is usually Indians' immunity have waned over time?People in India should not worry, but yes, preparedness and taking precautions are always better. Therefore, awareness is important. As these viruses tend to mutate, our immunity against these diseases changes with time, and getting a milder form of infection is possible. And it is not always necessary that somebody who gets Covid is going to get a severe disease. So it is about the immunity and the response to the virus that our body takes after infection. It is advised not to panic, but one must take precautionary measures should one take?The precautions are still the same as taken before. It is always suggested to wear a mask, especially in social gatherings or when somebody has symptoms of viral infection, and practise hand hygiene. Affected people should wear a mask and isolate themselves. This helps in preventing the transmission of infection to close family members and friends, helping slow down the progress of the disease in to India Today MagazineMust Watch
