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.

The variant known as NB.1.8.1., also referred to as “Nimbus,” is believed to cause sore throats that can be quite painful. This symptom has been observed by healthcare professionals in the UK, India, and other places, as reported by local media.

Other COVID-19 symptoms of any variant include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or loss of taste or smell.

Experts say there isn’t major cause for concern with the Nimbus variant, but here ‘s what else you need to know about it.

Here’s where the variant causing ‘razor blade throat’ spreading

According to the World Health Organization on May 28, there was an increase in cases towards the end of last month, especially in the eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and western Pacific areas. By mid-May, this new variant accounted for nearly 11% of the globally sequenced samples.

In the United States, airport screenings have identified the new variant in travelers arriving from these regions into various locations such as California, Washington, Virginia, and New York.

You aren’t likely to get sicker from this variant than others

Not so far, anyway.

The WHO said some western Pacific countries have reported increases in COVID cases and hospitalizations, but there’s nothing so far to suggest that the disease associated with the new variant is more severe compared to other variants.

COVID-19 vaccines are effective against the Nimbus variant

Yes.

The WHO has designated Nimbus as a “variant under monitoring” and considers the public health risk low at the global level. Current vaccines are expected to remain effective.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced last month that COVID-19 shots are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women – a move immediately questioned by public health experts.

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AP Health Writer Carla Johnson contributed to this story.