Around the world, a new strain of Covid-19 is causing painful sore throats. In just a couple of months, “razor blade throat” Covid is on the rise in the US, reports Devi Shastri for AP. This new strain has made its presence felt in the UK and India and is gaining headway here.
Cases of razor blade throat Covid are especially high in the eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and western Pacific areas. People coming to the US from these areas are bringing it with them. This strain of Covid has been identified at airports in New York, California, Washington and Virginia.
We are seeing a high percentage of new cases in the US. Last month, razor blade throat Covid represented only about five percent of new Covid cases. It now represents about one-third of new Covid cases in the US, Katia Hetter reports for CNN.
Razor blade throat Covid also can cause coughing, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, fever and chills. That said, at least some experts say that it is not a strain that should cause serious concern.
People who get razor blade throat Covid are not likely to be any sicker than people who get other strains. It’s also possible that a Covid-19 vaccine could help allay symptoms. We don’t yet know how effective the vaccine is.
As of now, the public health risk for this new Covid strain is low, but some people could get very sick and need to be hospitalized. They could also develop long Covid.
The next version of the Covid vaccine will be designed to combat razor blade throat Covid. For now, to protect yourself from getting Covid, wear a mask in closed public places and wash your hands after being in public places.
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