PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – COVID-19’s latest variant, NB.1.8.1, or Nimbus, is spreading at a rapid rate across the U.S. and could impact people in Hampton Roads this summer.
This month, the World Health Organization said the strain has been detected in 14 states, including Virginia, and now accounts for a third of the COVID cases reported nationwide.
But to what extent will Nimbus impact Hampton Roads?
Tracey Odachowski, Sentara director of infection prevention and control, said currently, hospitalizations are down, but a summer surge is possible for the coastal area.
“Yes, we tend to have a lot of events with a whole lot of people,” Odachowski said. “And when you start getting around a lot of people, and people aren’t staying home when they’re feeling sick, then you have the chances of being exposed to that, so that the possibility is certainly out there.”
Nimbus’ spread is outpacing other variants. While also more infectious, most of its symptoms are the same. But one in particular is causing concern, called “razor blade throat.”
“It feels like if you’re swallowing razor blades in your throat,” she said. “So it really kind of discourages swallowing. The problem is, you don’t want to swallow. And it feels like that. So you’re probably not getting all of your fluids in.”
Razor blade throat can come accompanied with a cough due to congestion in your chest. It’s also a common symptom of strep throat, so testing is strongly suggested to distinguish whether you have the bacterial infection or the virus.
“You can get … the numbing sprays that are available in the, your local pharmacy,” Odachowski said. “Ice water is another good one in trying to get your water down, which is really typical, but it’s really just trying to give you anything that’s going to be numbing or cooling on the throat is usually how you treat it.”
According to research from the CDC, current vaccines are 1.6 times less effective on Nimbus compared to the Omicron variant. A second dose may be most recommended for those 65 or older who are immunocompromised and have underlying health conditions.
“It also depends how long it’s been since your last dose,” she said. “If it’s been closer to a year, you’re probably going to need a booster.” And really, all of our guidelines with the dosing for the COVID vaccine changed more recently. So they took children, they took pregnant mothers out.
A new vaccine could be released in the fall depending on whether the FDA determines if placebo testing is needed. If so, there could be a delay.
