‘Razor blade throat’ COVID variant ramping up
The latest COVID strain is making itself known in San Diego. The Nimbus variant is spreading rapidly across the US, and patients describe throat pain that feels like swallowing razor blades. We’re working for you on what you need to know about this latest COVID variant, what to do if you test positive. The newest COVID strain is drawing attention for one brutal symptom. The nickname is razor blade. It’s a razor blade COVID. I talked to Dr. Ahmed Salem from a waiting room. He’s a pulmonologist at Sharp Memorial Hospital and says the excruciating sore throat is the primary symptom of the Nimbus COVID variant. It’s not just sore throat. I mean, people are saying it feels like glass is cutting them. So you know, this is making people nervous, right, when people hear that. — The
— variant is rapidly growing. I’ve reviewed CDC data that shows Nimbus accounts for 37% of all COVID infections in Americans. Double from last month and is expected to be the dominant strain by month’s end. Still, I’ve found COVID cases are down in the US and in San Diego County compared to last year. It’s actually less virulent so far, so we’re not seeing an increased mortality or increased death. Of course it’s not a great symptom to have, but we’re not seeing increased death from it. Dr. Salem says. Don’t be alarmed. — Nimbus won’t make you more sick than previous
— variants. Thankfully, in the hospital and in the ICU we’re not seeing a A lot of patients who are hospitalized with COVID. The strain also carries typical COVID symptoms fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell. Dr. Salem recommends the basic sore throat remedies, as well as rest and hydration. — So you
— know, the typical things you do for sore throat, saltwater gargles, you can do lozenges, you can take lidocaine or viscous sprays that help. I also asked Dr. Salem if the current vaccine remains effective against this variant. And experts in the field are saying it should be the COVID vaccine should be effective for this variant. If you test positive, isolate until fever free for 24 hours, then masks can take precautions for 5 days. If exposed, test on days 13, and 5, masks and monitor for symptoms. Common hand washing, good common sense hygiene, wearing masks, right, and avoiding getting in contact with people who are immunocompromised. Abby Black, CBS 8.
The latest COVID variant, dubbed ‘razor blade throat,’ is sweeping the nation. CBS 8 explains what you need to know about this new strain.
