“Razor Blade Throat”: The New COVID-19 Variant Gaining Ground in the U.S.

• Razor Blade Throat: NB.1.8.1 Variant Gains Ground
• Severe Throat Pain Reported
• Current Vaccines Still Effective

A new COVID-19 variant is making people literally clutch their throats in pain.

It’s called NB.1.8.1 and it now accounts for a significant portion of infections in the United States.

Here’s what you need to know in a few quick and easy points.

When COVID-19 Feels Like “Razor Blade Throat”

1. What is the coronavirus NB.1.8.1 variant and why is it getting so much attention?

NB.1.8.1 is a recent coronavirus variant, considered a “slightly enhanced” version of LP.8.1, which is also actively circulating.
According to Professor Subhash Verma, a microbiologist at the University of Nevada, Reno, this new variant may spread more quickly and has a greater ability to evade immune defenses.

“NB.1.8.1 is likely to spread faster and evade our immune defenses more easily than LP.8.1, which is why it requires careful monitoring,” Verma explained to USA TODAY.

2. How common is it in the U.S.?

Very. According to the CDC’s Nowcast tracker, between May 25 and June 7, NB.1.8.1 accounted for 37% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., just behind LP.8.1 at 38%.

Other variants such as XFG, XFC, and LF.7.9 have much lower presence.

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3. What is “razor blade throat”?

That’s how many people are describing the sore throat caused by this variant: intense, sharp, and persistent — as if they had blades or shards of glass in their throat.

The term has gone viral on social media and has been reported by outlets like the Los Angeles Times, Fox News, and SF Gate.

Some users shared their experience word-for-word on forums like Reddit:

“I just had the new variant and the sore throat was awful! It started with a slight itch and just got worse,” one patient said.

“I had a sore throat Saturday night. It began with a little itch, then worsened until I couldn’t swallow and couldn’t sleep.”

This type of pain has been described with previous variants as “glass in the throat,” but “razor blade throat” is now the more popular term with NB.1.8.1.

4. Are there other symptoms?

Yes, the COVID-19 NB.1.8.1 variant symptoms are similar to those of earlier variants:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle or body aches
• Congestion or runny nose
• Loss of taste or smell
• Nausea or vomiting
• Severe sore throat (the infamous “razor blade throat”)

The CDC hasn’t listed specific symptoms for this variant, but does recommend seeking medical help if you experience warning signs like difficulty breathing, confusion, or pale or bluish lips and nails.

5. Do current coronavirus vaccines work against NB.1.8.1?

Yes. The World Health Organization states that current vaccines remain effective against this variant, both for reducing symptoms and preventing severe cases.

6. Can you still get vaccinated or tested for free?

The CDC recommends the 2024–2025 vaccine for everyone over six months old.

However, recent statements by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. indicate this vaccine will be removed from the mandatory schedule for healthy children and pregnant women. The FDA will also require new clinical trials for boosters in people under 65.

That could mean many may have to pay for coronavirus vaccines.

As for testing, the federal ICATT program still offers free COVID tests at over 19,000 sites. You can find one near you at testinglocator.cdc.gov.

7. Is it time to worry?

Not excessively for now. The WHO considers the global risk of this coronavirus variant to be low, but still recommends continued monitoring.

And if your throat feels like you swallowed glass, it’s probably not just a regular cold. Better to get tested.

While the NB.1.8.1 variant doesn’t appear more lethal than previous ones, its increased transmissibility and immune evasion — combined with unpleasant symptoms like extreme throat pain — make it an important warning sign.

Staying informed and following medical guidance remains the best way to protect ourselves in an ever-changing landscape.

Have you experienced “razor blade throat” symptoms?

SOURCE: USA TODAY / World Health Organization (WHO) / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)