A recent surge in COVID-19 cases, largely driven by the dominant variant NB.1.8.1, or “Nimbus,” has raised concerns among health experts. According to Neil Maniar, director of Northeastern University’s master of public health program, the variant is associated with symptoms such as a runny nose, headache, fatigue, and most notably, a piercing sore throat often referred to as “razor blade throat.”
Maniar explains that the NB.1.8.1 strain binds more effectively to receptors in the upper airway due to changes in the spike protein, leading to increased transmissibility. However, he notes that this variant is not causing an increase in hospitalizations or deaths.
Despite this, Maniar warns of a potential uptick in cases during the summer months, which could be attributed to factors such as increased travel and social gatherings, waning vaccine effectiveness, and the spread of the variant. Experts expect to see ebbs and flows in COVID-19 case numbers, similar to other seasonal diseases like the flu.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend vaccination against COVID-19 for most adults 18 and over, citing that even if unvaccinated individuals can still get sick from COVID-19, the vaccine significantly reduces the likelihood of severe illness. The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be effective in protecting against the NB.1.8.1 variant.
Source: https://news.northeastern.edu/2025/08/01/vaccine-razor-blade-covid-2025-summer