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Toronto Star
19-06-2025
- Health
- Toronto Star
What to know about the COVID variant that may cause ‘razor blade' sore throats
The COVID-19 variant that may be driving a recent rise in cases in some parts of the world has earned a new nickname: 'razor blade throat' COVID. That's because the variant — NB.1.8.1. or 'Nimbus' — may cause painful sore throats. The symptom has been identified by doctors in the United Kingdom, India and elsewhere, according to media outlets in those countries. Canada Explainer The 'razor blade' sore throat: What to know about the new COVID-19 variant that's spreading Asma Sahebzada Other COVID-19 symptoms of any variant include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or loss of taste or smell. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Experts say there isn't major cause for concern with the Nimbus variant, but here 's what else you need to know about it. Here's where the variant causing 'razor blade throat' is spreading The rise in cases late last month is primarily in eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and western Pacific regions, the World Health Organization said May 28. The new variant had reached nearly 11% of sequenced samples reported globally in mid-May. Airport screening in the United States detected the new variant in travelers arriving from those regions to destinations in California, Washington state, Virginia and New York. You aren't likely to get sicker from this variant than others Not so far, anyway. The WHO said some western Pacific countries have reported increases in COVID cases and hospitalizations, but there's nothing so far to suggest that the disease associated with the new variant is more severe compared to other variants. COVID-19 vaccines are effective against the Nimbus variant Yes. The WHO has designated Nimbus as a 'variant under monitoring' and considers the public health risk low at the global level. Current vaccines are expected to remain effective. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced last month that COVID-19 shots are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women — a move immediately questioned by public health experts. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ___ AP Health Writer Carla Johnson contributed to this story. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Toronto Star
06-06-2025
- Climate
- Toronto Star
Toronto air quality at ‘very high risk' due to wildfire smoke — and is currently among the worst in the world
Toronto and the surrounding areas have been issued a special air quality statement as smoke from the wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan blow over southern Ontario on Friday. Environment Canada has assigned Toronto a 10+ on the local air quality health index, which means it is 'very high risk.' The city is also currently among the major cities with the worst air quality in the world, according to air quality technology company IQAir, which placed Toronto near the top of its ranking on Friday. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW By midday, Toronto climbed to second place with an air quality index score of 170. The company calculates regional scores based on measurements of pollutants in the air, noting the main pollutant choking Toronto's skies was fine particulate matter, also known as PM2.5. Environment Canada's special weather statement covers areas from Windsor to Ottawa, including parts of the Greater Toronto Area such as York, Peel and Durham regions. As the smoke drifts into the province, Environment Canada is asking people to limit how much time they spend outside because, as smoke levels increase, so do the associated health risks. The smoke is expected to spread across the Toronto area in the afternoon and evening before starting to lighten up around 10 p.m., according to FireSmoke Canada's forecast website. More smoke is forecasted to creep into Toronto by noon on Saturday. The smoke is expected to spread across the Toronto area Friday before starting to lighten up around 10 p.m., according to FireSmoke Canada's forecast website. FireSmoke Canada Gta Toronto is experiencing hazy skies due to wildfire smoke. What can you do to protect yourself? Asma Sahebzada Aside from local smoke, Environment Canada forecasts Friday will be a mix of sun and cloud with a high of 24 C. The UV index will be 8, which is very high. At night, temperatures will cool to a low of 15 C with partial clouds. The smoke could cause mild symptoms such as headaches, a mild cough or eye, nose and throat irritation. More serious effects such as wheezing, chest pains or a severe cough are also possible and anyone who might be experiencing a medical emergency should try to get medical help immediately. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Gta Hazy with a chance of ash? What wildfire season means for Toronto's air quality For urbanites, there's a new way to mark the calendar: the day the smoke reaches the city. Some groups are more likely to be affected by the outdoor air pollution, such as those in their mid-60s or older, pregnant people, infants, young children, those who are immunocompromised and anyone who works outdoors. Environment Canada is warning everyone to limit the amount of time they spend outside and consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities like sports. The city is offering six 'cleaner air spaces' equipped with high-efficiency filtration systems, open to Torontonians during wildfire smoke events. Here are the locations of the sites: Metro Hall between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays North York Civic Centre open between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekends City Hall between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays York Civic Centre between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays East York Civic Centre between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays Scarborough Civic Centre between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays While inside, people should keep windows and doors closed as much as possible to protect indoor air from wildfire smoke. If it comes down to choosing between avoiding smoky air or staying cool during an extreme heat event, the weather agency says people should prioritize keeping cool.
