Painful sore throats have been a common symptom of previous COVID strains, but Nimbus is gaining attention for what some describe as excruciating pain. Patients have likened the sensation to swallowing razor blades or shards of glass. Other symptoms include fatigue, cough, fever, muscle aches and congestion.

A new COVID strain has become increasingly more common in the U.S. in recent weeks and can cause a painful symptom that some are calling "razor blade throat." COVID variant, NB.1.8.1, nicknamed Nimbus,

A new COVID-19 variant spreading in some parts of the world has been nicknamed "razor blade throat" because of its painful symptoms. The variant — NB.1.8.1. or "Nimbus" — has been identified by doctors in the United Kingdom, India and elsewhere, The Associated Press reports.