Feeling Like You’re Swallowing Razor Blades? You’re Not Alone

If you’ve come down with a sore throat lately and thought, “This is the worst sore throat I’ve ever had,” you’re not imagining things. There’s a new COVID-19 strain on the rise—and it’s earned the dramatic nickname “Razor Blade Throat.” Officially called NB.1.8.1, and sometimes referred to as the Nimbus variant, this subvariant of Omicron is spreading quickly across the U.S. and leaving many people with a brutally painful sore throat as their main symptom.

In this article, we’ll break down what we know so far about the new variant, how it compares to previous strains, what symptoms to watch for, and how to manage the pain if you catch it.

What Is the “Razor Blade Throat” Variant?

The nickname “Razor Blade Throat” isn’t scientific—it’s a way to describe the intense throat pain that many people have reported with this latest strain. The official name is NB.1.8.1, a subvariant of Omicron, which has been circulating since early 2024. It’s now one of the most common COVID strains in the U.S. as of mid-2025.

Researchers and health experts began noticing an increase in cases where the main complaint was severe throat pain, often described as:

“Swallowing glass”
“Like razor blades in the throat”
“Worse than strep throat”

Although the sore throat can be intense, this variant does not appear to cause more severe illness overall, according to experts at UCSF and other public health institutions.

Is It More Dangerous?

The good news: There’s no current evidence that the NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus) variant leads to more hospitalizations or deaths than earlier Omicron strains.

Most people with this variant recover at home within a few days to a week.

However, it is highly contagious, which means it can spread quickly in schools, workplaces, and homes—especially if people mistake it for a cold or seasonal allergies.

Common Symptoms of NB.1.8.1 (“Razor Blade Throat”)

People infected with the Razor Blade Throat variant often report:

Severe sore throat (most common)
Runny or stuffy nose
Fatigue or tiredness
Mild cough
Headache
Low-grade fever (in some cases)

Interestingly, loss of taste or smell—a hallmark symptom of early COVID variants—is much less common with NB.1.8.1.

Some people may only have a sore throat and still test positive for COVID.

Should You Get Tested?

Yes. If you have a sore throat that is severe, lasts more than a day or two, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s a good idea to test for COVID.

Keep in mind:

Rapid tests may not detect the virus in the first day or two of symptoms.
If your test is negative but symptoms continue, retest in 24–48 hours.

If you’re unsure, call your healthcare provider or use a telehealth service.

How to Treat a Razor Blade Sore Throat at Home

There’s no magic cure, but these tips can help ease the pain and discomfort:

Pain Relief

Ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain and inflammation
(Ibuprofen may be slightly more effective for throat inflammation)

Soothe the Throat

Warm teas with honey and lemon
Saltwater gargles
Throat lozenges or hard candies
Popsicles or ice chips for numbing effect
Humidifier to add moisture to dry air

Rest & Hydration

Get plenty of sleep
Stay hydrated with water, herbal teas, or broths

If your sore throat lasts more than 7 days, or you have trouble swallowing, breathing, or speaking, contact a healthcare provider.

Do Vaccines Still Work?

Yes. Experts say that current vaccines, especially the updated booster released in fall 2023, still offer protection against severe illness and hospitalization from the NB.1.8.1 variant.

Even if you do get sick, being vaccinated can make your symptoms milder and shorter.

If it’s been more than 6 months since your last shot, talk to your doctor about getting the latest COVID booster.

How to Protect Yourself and Others

Because NB.1.8.1 spreads easily—often before people even realize they’re sick—take these steps to reduce risk:

Wash hands frequently
Avoid close contact with others if you feel sick
Wear a mask in crowded indoor settings
Use at-home tests if exposed or symptomatic
Stay home if you test positive (follow CDC guidelines)

When to Worry (and When Not To)

Most people recover at home, but watch for these warning signs:

Trouble breathing
Ongoing high fever
Chest pain or tightness
Dehydration or confusion

If you experience any of these, seek medical attention right away.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic—Just Be Prepared

Hearing the phrase “Razor Blade Throat” can sound scary—but it’s really just a vivid way people are describing a symptom we’ve seen before with COVID: a very sore throat.

What’s different this time is how common and intense that symptom is.

The best thing you can do?