A new group of COVID-19 variants has been spreading across the United States, with many people describing one painful symptom above all others: an extremely severe sore throat often compared to “swallowing glass.” This intense discomfort has led some to nickname it the “razor throat” symptom, although doctors warn that a sore throat alone cannot confirm COVID, as similar pain can occur with flu, strep throat, or other infections.

These newer strains are descendants of the Omicron family, following the earlier “FLiRT” variants. Experts say they appear to spread more easily because of changes that help the virus move between people and partially avoid existing immunity. However, current evidence suggests they do not appear to cause more severe illness than previous variants for most healthy individuals.

Along with the painful sore throat, common symptoms include congestion, cough, fatigue, headaches, body aches, fever, and chills. Loss of taste or smell can still happen but is now much less common than during earlier COVID waves. Most cases improve within several days, but medical attention is recommended if someone has trouble breathing, cannot swallow fluids, or develops a persistent high fever.

Health experts emphasize awareness rather than panic. Staying updated on vaccinations, testing when symptoms appear, improving indoor ventilation, and avoiding close contact with others while sick remain important steps. While COVID has changed over time, the virus is still circulating, and simple precautions can help protect both yourself and vulnerable people around you.