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Doctors in the UK are warning people to stay alert as a new COVID-19 variant called Nimbus is starting to spread. Although it has only been officially found in 13 people in the UK so far, experts believe it could be spreading more widely than reported. Cases have already increased in other countries like China, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Nimbus is a sub-variant of Omicron, which was known for being highly contagious. Like Omicron, Nimbus spreads easily, and it may be responsible for a new wave of COVID infections this summer.
A Strange New Symptom to Watch For
Doctors say that one unusual symptom might help people spot the Nimbus variant: a very painful sore throat that feels like swallowing razor blades.
According to Dr. Naveed Asif, a GP at The London General Practice, this sore throat can feel sharp and stabbing, especially when swallowing. This type of sore throat may feel worse than what people are used to with common colds or even older versions of COVID.
Other possible symptoms of the Nimbus variant include:
Redness at the back of the throat
Swollen neck glands
Fever
Muscle aches
Nasal congestion
Cough and fatigue
However, symptoms can be different from person to person. That’s why doctors are advising everyone to be careful and stay alert, especially if they feel unwell.
COVID Cases Are Going Up Again
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has shared data showing that the number of people testing positive for COVID is the highest it’s been so far this year. In fact, the number of new cases is 97% higher than in March.
Experts are concerned that we could see another big increase in cases over the next few weeks, especially during the summer months when people are more likely to travel, meet friends, or attend large events.
Professor Lawrence Young, a virus expert from the University of Warwick, explained that COVID is not like the flu. Unlike the flu, COVID can still spread even in hot and humid weather. He also warned that many people’s immunity from past infections or vaccines may be fading.
Is Nimbus More Dangerous?
The good news is that, so far, there is no sign that Nimbus causes more serious illness or death than earlier COVID variants. But doctors are reminding the public that COVID can still be dangerous—especially for older adults, people with weak immune systems, and those with serious health conditions.
In May alone, COVID was linked to over 300 deaths in England. That’s why experts are urging people, especially the vulnerable, to protect themselves.
Vaccines Still Work – So Get Boosted if You Can
Even though Nimbus is new, current COVID vaccines—especially those updated for Omicron—are expected to still work well. These vaccines help reduce the chances of serious illness, hospitalisation, and death.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Nimbus (scientific name: NB.1.8.1) now makes up over 10% of COVID infections worldwide, up from just 2.5% a month ago. This shows how quickly it is spreading.
People who are more at risk can still get free COVID vaccines in the UK, including:
Adults over the age of 75
People living in care homes
Anyone aged 6 months or older with a weak immune system (e.g., cancer patients, transplant recipients, people with HIV)
According to UKHSA, people who got a booster shot last spring were 45% less likely to need hospital care for COVID in the weeks after getting the vaccine, compared to those who didn’t get vaccinated.
Stay Safe and Get Vaccinated
Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, Deputy Director at UKHSA, said that the agency is keeping a close watch on the new variant and will continue sharing updates.
She also encouraged anyone who is eligible to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones from Nimbus and other COVID strains.
Even though COVID doesn’t make the headlines as much as it used to, it hasn’t gone away. New variants like Nimbus show that the virus is still changing and still a threat. So stay informed, look out for symptoms, and get vaccinated if you can.
Source: Daily Mail Online Health
