A croaky voice, a sharp, almost ‘razor blade’-like sore throat, and lingering fatigue are emerging as the primary tell-tale signs of the newest Covid variants currently sweeping across Britain and the United States. Health experts are closely monitoring these strains—XFB, nicknamed Stratus, and NB.1.8.1, also known as Nimbus—as they fuel a rapid increase in infections, with case numbers doubling since August in several regions.
At the same time, public health authorities have launched comprehensive winter vaccination campaigns, urging millions of residents to get both their Covid and flu jabs. Hospitals have reported a gradual increase in admissions, prompting officials to emphasize prevention and timely vaccination. In the UK, the Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that Covid test positivity rates jumped from 7.6 to 8.4 percent within a single week, while hospital admissions rose from 2.0 to 2.73 per 100,000 people.
Across the Atlantic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that nationwide Covid levels in wastewater, a tool used to gauge community spread, remain moderate. Yet in four states, readings are alarmingly high, and the northeast region is witnessing a steady increase. These findings underscore the need for continued vigilance, particularly in public spaces and during the winter months when respiratory viruses thrive.
Dr. Aaron Glatt, a US-based infectious disease specialist, told Today.com that patients have been describing a “severe pain, as if their throat is covered with razor blades.” He added, “While this symptom is not unique to Covid-19, it has been repeatedly reported in patients infected with the latest variants, especially Stratus and Nimbus.” Beyond the severe sore throat, the new strains can also cause more familiar symptoms, such as headaches, persistent coughing, fatigue, and a runny or blocked nose.
Experts emphasize that although these variants spread more easily due to genetic mutations, they are no more dangerous than previous versions. Covid tests in the UK are no longer free through the NHS, though they can still be purchased at pharmacies and retail outlets. Authorities advise anyone exhibiting symptoms to stay at home, limit contact with vulnerable individuals, and wear a face covering if going out is unavoidable.
The UKHSA guidance notes: “If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, including Covid-19, and are experiencing a high temperature or feel unwell, you should avoid contact with vulnerable populations and stay home whenever possible. For those who must go out, following proper hygiene and mask-wearing protocols will reduce the risk of transmission.”
Particularly at risk are over-75s, people with weakened immune systems, and care home residents, all of whom are eligible for the winter Covid booster. Vaccinations are accessible through the NHS app, online registration, or walk-in centers. Pregnant women and children are also invited to receive vaccinations, and this year toddlers can even get flu sprays at community pharmacies. Some private high street pharmacies are also offering Covid jabs, with prices reaching up to £99 ($134).
The surge in cases comes amid continued public debate regarding vaccine safety. A recent South Korean study controversially suggested that Covid vaccines “might raise the risk of cancer,” though the research failed to clarify the biological mechanism behind this claim. Experts widely dismissed these findings as “superficially alarming,” noting that there is no credible evidence linking Covid vaccinations to cancer development.
This controversy was further fueled when Reform UK distanced itself from cardiologist Dr. Aseem Malhotra, an adviser to US presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr., after he implied that Covid vaccines might have been connected to cancers affecting members of the British royal family. Scientists have repeatedly reassured the public that Covid vaccines remain safe, effective, and do not interfere with tumour suppressor mechanisms.
In conclusion, while the emergence of Stratus and Nimbus variants is driving infection surges in both the UK and the US, health experts continue to stress preventive measures, timely vaccination, and public awareness. The combination of early recognition of symptoms, responsible behavior, and vaccination remains the most effective strategy to reduce transmission and protect vulnerable populations throughout the winter months.
A croaky voice and razor-blade-like sore throat are now common signs of the new Covid variants, Stratus and Nimbus, spreading across the UK and US.
Infections have surged, doubling since August, prompting winter vaccination campaigns for both Covid and flu.
In the UK, Covid positivity rates rose from 7.6% to 8.4% and hospital admissions increased from 2.0 to 2.73 per 100,000.
In the US, wastewater monitoring shows moderate levels overall, but four states have very high readings, especially in the northeast.
Dr. Aaron Glatt explained that patients describe throat pain as “covered with razor blades,” alongside symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and runny noses.
Experts confirm these variants are not more dangerous than previous ones, but they do spread more easily due to genetic mutations.
UKHSA advises those with symptoms to stay home, avoid contact with vulnerable individuals, and wear masks if leaving home is unavoidable.
Over-75s, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and children are eligible for winter Covid boosters, with some pharmacies offering private jabs.
A South Korean study controversially claimed Covid vaccines may increase cancer risk, but experts dismissed it as unsupported and misleading.
Awareness, vaccination, and preventive measures remain critical to slowing the spread of new variants and protecting vulnerable populations this winter.