The COVID-19 variant that may be driving a recent rise in cases in some parts of the world has earned a new nickname: “razor blade throat” COVID. That's because the variant — NB.1.8.1. or “Nimbus” — may cause painful sore throats.

The latest COVID variant is causing a distinctive symptom: a sore throat so severe it's nicknamed "razor blade throat." Some patients report a sharp, stabbing pain when they swallow, often at the back of the throat. Because of that, the new variant is informally being called "Nimbus," a name that refers to a jagged type of storm cloud.