Covid Variants Stratus and Nimbus: What You Need to Know
A sore, croaky voice and a “razor blade” sore throat are emerging as common complaints with the latest Covid-19 variants — XFB (Stratus) and NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus) — now spreading in the UK and US.
While these new strains are driving an uptick in infections, health experts stress they are no more dangerous than earlier versions, though genetic mutations allow them to spread more easily.
📊 Current Situation
- United Kingdom:
- Positivity rates rose from 7.6% to 8.4% in one week.
- Hospital admissions increased from 2.0 to 2.73 per 100,000.
- A winter vaccination campaign has launched, encouraging uptake of Covid and flu jabs.
- United States:
- Covid levels in wastewater — a key measure of community spread — are currently moderate overall.
- Four states report very high levels, with increases especially in the Northeast.
🩺 Symptoms to Watch For
According to infectious disease specialist Dr. Aaron Glatt, some patients describe throat pain “as if covered with razor blades.” While not unique to Covid, it has been noted with recent cases.
Other reported symptoms include:
- Sore or croaky throat
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Coughing
- Runny or blocked nose
🛡️ Public Health Guidance
- Stay at home if possible if you have symptoms, especially with a fever or if you feel unwell.
- Avoid contact with vulnerable people (elderly, immunocompromised).
- Wear a face covering if you must go out.
- Covid tests are no longer free on the NHS, but are available for purchase at pharmacies.
Vaccination
- Eligible for boosters: over-75s, care home residents, and those with weakened immune systems.
- Pregnant women and children are also invited for vaccination.
- Toddlers can now receive a flu nasal spray at pharmacies.
- Some chemists offer private Covid vaccines (costing up to £99 / $134).
🧪 On the Vaccine and Cancer Study
A recent South Korean study claiming that Covid vaccines “might raise the risk of cancer” has caused headlines, but experts call the conclusions overblown and unsupported.
- Published in Biomarker Research, the study did not explain how vaccines could cause cancer.
- Scientists emphasize there is no credible evidence that Covid vaccines interfere with tumour suppression or promote cancer growth.
- Leading researchers caution against misinterpretation, calling the findings “superficially alarming.”
🌿 Takeaway
- The new Covid variants are spreading, but they are not more severe than previous strains.
- Staying aware of symptoms and following simple precautions (rest, testing, masks, and vaccines where eligible) helps reduce spread and protect the vulnerable.
- Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools for preventing severe illness.
Awareness, not alarm, is the healthiest response.
