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4h ago

Nimbus Variant Accounts for 37% of U.S. COVID Cases as Vaccine Guidance Shifts

Health experts warn current shots still protect against the low-risk NB.1.8.1 strain after the U.S. health secretary narrowed vaccination recommendations for children and pregnant women.

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COVID-19 New Variant Causes ‘Razor Blade’ Pain With Sore Throat. Here’s What You Need To Know About It (Credits: Pexels)
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Overview

  • NB.1.8.1, nicknamed Nimbus, represents 37% of U.S. COVID infections for the two weeks ending June 7, making it the nation’s second-most prevalent strain.
  • First detected in January and found in at least 22 countries, the variant climbed to over 10% of global sequenced samples by mid-May.
  • The World Health Organization classifies Nimbus as a “variant under monitoring” and reports no evidence of increased severity or virulence.
  • Cases of severe “razor blade throat” have been reported, but infectious-disease experts note that intense sore throats occur with other COVID variants as well.
  • Despite low hospitalization rates, the CDC urges all eligible individuals to stay up to date on COVID vaccinations to maintain protection against emerging strains.