A new COVID-19 variant spreading across the United States may cause an extremely painful sore throat—dubbed the "razor throat"—among its symptoms. The new "Nimbus" strain, also known as COVID-19 NB 1.

COVID appears to be on the rise as a new, highly contagious subvariant — featuring “razor blade throat” symptoms overseas — is becoming increasingly dominant.

Just before the busy summer travel season in the US, a new COVID variant called NB.1.8.1—also known as “Nimbus”—is quickly spreading across the world. This version of the virus, which is part of the Omicron family,