Patients have all been reporting the same symptom as the variant spreads across the UK
Doctors have explained how to tell if you have the rapidly spreading new strain of Covid – codenamed Nimbus – as it has one specific symptom. Cases of the variant have been found in the UK as it starts to dominate across the world, having been detected in January.
It is now the dominant strain in China and makes up a third of cases in the USA, while it is being blamed for a spike in cases in Australia. The Nimbus strain has mutations which make it able to spread more easily – it is more infectious than previous variants.
Vaccines and previous infection have been found to be about half as effective at blocking Nimbus as some other strains.
A World Health Organisation spokesman said: “Currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against this variant against symptomatic and severe disease. Despite a concurrent increase in cases and hospitalizations in some countries where NB.1.8.1 is widespread, current data do not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness than other variants in circulation.”
Patients have reported this variant giving them ‘razor blade throat’, a very sore throat which has left some people with a hoarse voice.
Director & Superintendent Pharmacist, Prescription Doctor, Mohamed Imran Lakhii said: “People commonly report a severe sore throat, persistent fatigue, mild cough, fever, muscle aches, and nasal congestion. Some also experience digestive issues like nausea or diarrhoea, which isn’t always typical with Covid variants.”
According to Dr Naveed Asif, GP at The London General Practice, the NB.1.8.1 variant has a distinctive symptom, a severe sore throat known as a “razor blade sensation”. This is a sharp, stabbing pain when you swallow, often at the back of the throat.
Experts say the new variant is no more dangerous than previous mutations. It can be avoided in the same way – through good hygiene, hand washing, masks in crowded places and avoiding those who are ill.
It can be treated in the same way with rest, fluids and painkillers. If your symptoms persist or get worse, or if you are worried about you or someone else you can speak to a GP or call 111. If someone is in serious distress, for example struggling to breathe, you should call 999.