Introduction to COVID ‘Razor Blade Throat’
COVID-19 appears to be on the rise in some parts of California as a new, highly contagious subvariant — featuring “razor blade throat” symptoms overseas — is becoming increasingly dominant. Nicknamed “Nimbus,” the new subvariant NB.1.8.1 has been described in news reports in China as having more obvious signs of “razor blade throat” — what patients describe as feeling like their throats are studded with razor blades.
What is ‘Razor Blade Throat’?
Although “razor blade throat” may seem like a new term, the description of incredibly painful sore throats associated with COVID-19 has emerged before in the United States, like having a throat that feels like it’s covered with shards of glass. But the increased attention to this symptom comes as the Nimbus subvariant has caused surges of COVID-19 in other countries. “Before Omicron, I think most people presented with the usual loss of taste and smell as the predominant symptom and shortness of breath,” said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a UC San Francisco infectious-disease expert. But as COVID has become less likely to require hospitalization, “people are focusing on these other aspects of symptoms,” such as an extraordinarily painful sore throat.
Spread of Nimbus Subvariant
Part of the Omicron family, Nimbus is now one of the most dominant coronavirus subvariants nationally. For the two-week period that ended June 7, Nimbus comprised an estimated 37% of the nation’s coronavirus samples, now roughly even with the subvariant LP.8.1, probably responsible for 38% of circulating virus. LP.8.1 has been dominant over the past few months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Nimbus subvariant has also been increasing since May in California, the state Department of Public Health said in an email to the Los Angeles Times. Projections suggest the Nimbus subvariant comprises 55% of circulating virus in California, up from observations of just 2% in April, the agency said Friday.
COVID-19 Activity in California
“We are seeing some indicators of increased COVID-19 activity, including the rise of the NB.1.8.1 variant, elevated coronavirus levels in wastewater, and an uptick in the test positivity rate,” Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, regional chief of infectious diseases for Kaiser Permanente Southern California, wrote in an email to The Times. “Wastewater surveillance across Southern California shows variability: Santa Barbara watersheds are reporting moderate-to-high levels, Ventura and Los Angeles counties are seeing low-to-moderate levels, Riverside is reporting low levels, while San Bernardino is experiencing high activity,” Hudson said. While viral concentrations remain relatively low, Los Angeles County has observed an increase in coronavirus levels in sewage, the local Department of Public Health told The Times. For the week that ended May 30 — the most recent available — viral levels in wastewater rose by 13% versus a comparable period several weeks earlier.
Vaccine Policy Changes
The uptick in COVID comes as many medical professional organizations and some state and local health officials are objecting to the Trump administration’s recent moves on vaccine policy, which some experts fear will make it more difficult for people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and other diseases. Federal officials in May weakened the CDC’s official recommendations from recommending the COVID vaccine to everyone age 6 months and up. The CDC now offers “no guidance” on whether healthy pregnant women should get the COVID vaccine, and now asks that parents of healthy children talk with a healthcare provider before asking that their kids get inoculated.
Concerns Over Vaccine Access
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued a rebuke of the changing vaccine recommendations for pregnant women, accusing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — led by the vaccine-skeptic secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — of “propagating misinformation.” The American Pharmacists Assn. wrote that dropping the vaccine recommendation for pregnant women did “not appear to be based on the scientific evidence provided over the last few years.” And an open letter by 30 organizations specializing in health — including the American Medical Assn. — said that “we must continue to prioritize high levels of COVID-19 vaccine coverage in pregnant patients to protect them and their infants after birth.” Chin-Hong said he recommends pregnant women get vaccinated “one million percent.”
Impact on Vaccine Schedule
Then, last week, Kennedy abruptly fired all members of a highly influential committee that advises the CDC on vaccine policy. In an op-ed to the Wall Street Journal, Kennedy criticized the previous members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, founded in 1964, as being “plagued with persistent conflicts of interest and has become little more than a rubber stamp for any vaccine.” Maldonado, a professor in pediatric infectious diseases and epidemiology, was one of the fired vaccine advisors. She called their mass dismissal unprecedented in the history of the ACIP. “We are absolutely in uncharted territory here,” Maldonado said. “I think it’s going to be really hard to understand what vaccines are going to go forward. … They’re also going to review the entire vaccination schedule.”
Conclusion
The rise of the Nimbus subvariant and the changes in vaccine policy have significant implications for public health. It is essential to continue monitoring COVID-19 activity and to prioritize vaccine access, especially for high-risk individuals. The firing of the vaccine advisors and the potential review of the vaccination schedule have raised concerns among medical professionals and state and local health officials. It is crucial to ensure that science and sound medicine prevail in the decision-making process to prevent any loss of life.
FAQs
- What is the Nimbus subvariant?
The Nimbus subvariant, also known as NB.1.8.1, is a new, highly contagious subvariant of COVID-19 that has been described as having more obvious signs of “razor blade throat” symptoms. - What are the symptoms of the Nimbus subvariant?
The symptoms of the Nimbus subvariant include an extraordinarily painful sore throat, which has been described as feeling like the throat is studded with razor blades. - Is the Nimbus subvariant spreading in California?
Yes, the Nimbus subvariant has been increasing since May in California, and projections suggest it comprises 55% of circulating virus in the state. - What are the concerns over vaccine policy changes?
The changes in vaccine policy, including the weakening of recommendations for pregnant women and the firing of vaccine advisors, have raised concerns among medical professionals and state and local health officials that it may make it more difficult for people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and other diseases. - What is the impact of the firing of vaccine advisors on the vaccination schedule?
The firing of vaccine advisors and the potential review of the vaccination schedule have raised concerns that it may lead to a refusal to recommend certain vaccines, such as the measles vaccine or HPV vaccine, and potentially put vaccine access and insurance coverage at risk.
