Two new Covid variants, XFV (nicknamed Stratus) and NB.1.81 (called Nimbus), are rapidly spreading across the US, bringing with them some unusual symptoms. These variants have caused a rise in infections, especially in the Northeast, between late August and mid-September.
Typical symptoms like headache, fatigue, cough, and runny nose remain common, but doctors report a particularly severe sore throat described as feeling like “razor blades” in the throat. This sharp pain may make swallowing very painful and is a hallmark of the Nimbus variant.
While the overall severity is not worse than previous variants, vulnerable groups such as older adults and those with compromised immune systems face risks. Despite rising cases, Covid wastewater levels in most of the country are moderate, though some states report very high levels.
