‘Razor Blade Throat’: A Symptom of New COVID Variant

The Economic Times
Image Name: Masked Crowd During Pandemic

In the constantly changing world of viruses, COVID-19 continues to evolve and catch us off guard with every new wave. Recently, a strange and very painful symptom associated with a new COVID-19 variant has been reported: an excruciating sore throat so severe that victims describe it as being like “swallowing razor blades.” This terrifying phrase has hit the headlines and caused alarm all over the world. But what does it stand for? Is it a symptom of just one strain of the virus? And what should you do if you get it?

What Is ‘Razor Blade Throat’?

The phrase “razor blade throat” isn’t medical terminology; it’s what patients are saying about the severity of the pain. It’s a sore throat that’s sharp, raw, and very painful, particularly when you swallow. The pain is usually greater than you might get from usual seasonal colds, allergies, or even the flu.

In some instances, individuals report:

A burning sensation in the back of the throat
Sudden severe pain
Inability to consume foods and liquids due to excessive pain
Redness and swelling that is apparent in the throat

Physicians say that sore throat has always been a COVID-19 symptom, but this newer strain seems to strike the upper respiratory system more forcefully, resulting in throat discomfort being the most apparent symptom for many patients.

Which Variant Is Causing This?

As of mid-2025, the variant responsible for the “razor blade throat” symptom is also unofficially known as the FLiRT variant (an acronym short form that is based on its genetic markers, much like earlier variants such as Omicron had been named). FLiRT is a subvariant of Omicron, a lineage with high transmissibility and rapidly mutating mutations.

It seems to:

Infect more easily than earlier strains
Result in fewer hospitalizations but more upper respiratory infection symptoms
Affect unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals equally, although to different degrees

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are following closely the transmission and features of this variant.

Symptoms that Follow ‘Razor Blade Throat’

In addition to the infamous throat soreness, individuals with this new COVID variant commonly experience:

Stuffy or runny nose
Headache
Hoarseness of the voice
Dry cough
Weakness
Mild fever or chills

Interestingly, loss of taste and smell, previously characteristic COVID-19 symptoms, is now much less prevalent with this variant. What’s the upside? In most instances, symptoms clear in 5 to 7 days, and most recover without hospitalization. But the sheer severity of the pain in the throat can be incapacitating for the unfortunate sufferers.

Healthline
Image Name: Man Experiencing Severe Throat Pain

How to Know If It’s COVID or Just a Sore Throat?

That’s the tricky part. A sore throat can be caused by many things: allergies, bacterial infections like strep, or even changes in the weather.

But what makes COVID-related throat pain stand out is its sudden onset and extreme severity, especially without other classic cold symptoms like sneezing or coughing fits.

To be sure:

Take a COVID-19 test if you experience intense throat pain, especially if it appears with other flu-like symptoms.
Don’t self-diagnose. Even if it’s just a sore throat, you might be unconsciously spreading the virus.
Keep an eye on symptoms; if they get worse or fail to get better in a few days, get medical help.

How to Deal with the Pain at Home

If you’ve tested positive and are experiencing this painful symptom, here’s how you can deal with it at home:

Hydration: Have warm liquids such as herbal teas, soups, and water to calm inflammation.
Saltwater gargle: Reduces swelling and kills bacteria in the throat.
Throat lozenges: It will temporarily alleviate the pain.
Over-the-counter pain medications: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can alleviate pain and inflammation.
Rest: Your body requires energy to battle the virus.

Remember: antibiotics will not work unless a bacterial infection (such as strep throat) also exists, so do not self-medicate without a diagnosis.

When to See a Doctor

Although the majority of individuals recover from sore throat due to COVID at home, seek medical care if:

Pain becomes severe or affects eating and drinking
High fever, chest pain, or shortness of breath develop
Symptoms persist beyond 10 days

You have a compromised immune system or underlying health issues

How to Keep Yourself and Others Safe

Basics still hold true, even in 2025:

Vaccinate and boost: Existing vaccines won’t always prevent infection, but they decrease severity.
Mask in high-risk or crowded areas: Particularly if you’re in high-risk areas or ill.
Stay home when sick: Don’t spread the virus.
Good hygiene: Wash hands often, disinfect surfaces, and keep a distance from others if symptoms are exhibited.

Conclusion

The “razor blade throat” symptom is a grim reminder that COVID-19 continues to mutate and change and find new ways to impact us. Though this new strain doesn’t appear to be more lethal, the symptoms, particularly the awful sensation of the razor blade throat, are bad enough to cause serious alarm. The most important thing we can do? Stay up to date, stay vigilant, and keep up the protective habits we’ve established these last few years. When you feel that scratchy throat developing, don’t brush it off; get tested, take a rest, and look after yourself. Because in this new stage of the pandemic, caution is still the best protection.