Health and Humor: New ‘razor throat’ COVID variant | Opinion

by Dr. Frank Bures, columnist

An extremely painful sore throat, often now referred to as “razor blade throat,” is just one of the several symptoms of a new COVID-19 variant that is gaining ground in the U.S. and worldwide. So far it is not causing worse or different disease. But it seems definitely more contagious. The main difference is that it has new mutations on the “spike” protein on its surface that it uses to attach to our cells.

It was first found in January in China. It is labeled NB.1.8.1 and nicknamed Nimbus (I’m not sure why on that one). The most dominant COVID variant is LP.8.1, which at last count has made up 38% of cases, with Nimbus at 37%, variants XFG at 7% and LF.7.9 at 4%. The scientists think it is a “slightly upgraded” version of LP.8.1. It is more communicable, which may allow it to spread more rapidly and evade antibodies from vaccines or past infections more easily.

Symptoms from Nimbus so far seem pretty much the same as prior viral versions. But the degree and nature of the sore throat sets it apart. People infected with it say that it feels like their throats are covered with razor blades, a really graphic image, according to several news reports and they have taken to social media describing it as “razor blade throat.” It’s not the first time this specific symptom has been described. With other strains people said their throats felt like they had shards of glass jutting out. (Tough choice: broken glass or razor blades down your gullet?)

The litany of symptoms is all too familiar: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, nasal congestion, loss of smell or taste, fatigue, muscle and/or body aches, headache, nausea or vomiting. It should go without saying that if it causes trouble breathing, get to the doc right away.

Getting a COVID vaccination is the only way to try to avoid getting very sick and having less chance of catching it. The current shot versions are thought to be adequate to supply that protection. People especially at risk like older than 65, immune compromised folks, and folks in a long-term care facility. Those pregnant or breastfeeding should probably get vaccinated if they aren’t already.

Regrettably, on May 27, RFK Jr. said the COVID vaccine would no longer be included in the CDC’s recommended immunization schedule for healthy children or pregnant women. This would seriously subtract from the group or “herd” immunity vaccines offer. In May he said publicly, “My opinions about vaccines are irrelevant. I don’t want to seem like I’m being evasive, but I don’t think people should be taking medical advice from me.”

Vaccines have saved so many lives from so many disease deaths. I was raised when there was no measles vaccine. Children died. They don’t die once vaccinated. The very same is true for so many infectious diseases like diphtheria, polio etc.

However, people have become rather indifferent to the prior ravages of COVID because the virus and we have reached a sort of immunity compromise. There are still a couple hundred people dying each week from COVID and related problems. I am aware of a couple who recently got it. One spouse had a vicious sore throat, but the other one did not, illustrating variations in individual responses. They had both had vaccines and did not get very sick. The COVID viruses are very much part of our world.

It is still valuable to test for it if you get respiratory illness. If you have a positive result, it is worth it to seek out medicine for it, mainly Paxlovid. If you get advice from folks not favorable to vaccines, remember what RFK Jr. said about what he says.

Copyright by Frank A. Bures, M.D.