June 16, 2025: As COVID-19 evolves, the virus is showing up not just in new variants but in symptoms that feel painfully familiar. A highly transmissible Omicron subvariant, NB.1.8.1, nicknamed “Nimbus” , is gaining ground in the United States, while a troubling symptom dubbed “razor blade throat” is drawing attention globally. Both trends are surfacing just as summer travel begins to ramp up.
Public health experts say this mix of factors, a fast-spreading new variant and rising reports of severe sore throat and gastrointestinal symptoms, could signal a shift in the virus’s behavior ahead of the warmer months. Although national COVID metrics remain relatively steady, past patterns suggest a potential summer uptick is likely.
What Is NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus)?
NB.1.8.1 is part of the Omicron family and was first picked up through U.S. airport screening in March. It’s now the second most common variant in the country, making up around 37% of reported cases as of early June, just behind LP.8.1, which leads at 38%.
Classified as a “variant under monitoring” by the World Health Organization, NB.1.8.1 has mutations that may help it bind more efficiently to human cells. While there’s no evidence it causes more severe illness, it may be better at spreading and dodging prior immunity.
It has been found in at least 14 U.S. states and 22 countries globally. Though it’s not dominant yet, scientists say it has the potential to become so over the summer.
Symptoms to Watch: “Razor Blade Throat” and More
Alongside the spread of Nimbus, healthcare providers are seeing a resurgence of intense sore throat cases — described by patients as feeling like “swallowing razor blades.” While this sounds new, experts stress that it’s not unique to any one variant. Rather, it’s a strong presentation of a known symptom, one that has appeared repeatedly since early in the pandemic.
In addition to sore throat, patients are reporting flu-like symptoms and gastrointestinal issues — nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, all of which have been associated with Omicron and its descendants.
“Each time a new variant arrives, people notice a new dominant symptom, but in reality, we’re seeing the same symptoms resurface in different ways,” said Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University.
Is the U.S. at Risk of Another Summer Surge?
Although COVID positivity rates are currently low, about 3%, with hospitalizations trending downward, experts note that the U.S. has experienced a mid-to-late summer spike every year since 2020. The presence of a more contagious subvariant like Nimbus, combined with increased travel and relaxed precautions, could set the stage for another seasonal wave.
Adding to the uncertainty is the limited genetic sequencing data available. The CDC acknowledges that without more robust data collection, tracking the real-time spread of variants is increasingly difficult.
What Can Be Done?
Doctors urge continued testing for symptomatic individuals, especially if they’re at risk of severe illness. The CDC still recommends two COVID vaccinations per year for high-risk groups, one in fall, and another in early summer.
While there’s no sign of a severe national wave yet, the virus remains active and adaptable. Staying up to date on vaccines and paying attention to emerging symptoms, especially among travelers and those in crowded settings, can help reduce personal risk.
In short: COVID hasn’t disappeared. It’s still shifting, in both form and feeling. From rising sore throat cases to a growing new variant, signs point to a summer that may be quieter than past surges but still needs attention.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Readers should consult healthcare professionals for diagnosis, treatment, or guidance related to COVID-19 or any health condition. Information is based on publicly available data and expert commentary as of June 2025 and may change as the situation evolves. Always follow local health authority guidelines and recommendations.
