HEALTH Women's Health October 14, 2025 0 Comments

Is That Razor-Blade Throat Pain Actually a Silent Sign of a New COVID Variant Lurking?

Ever felt like you swallowed a handful of shattered glass? Well, guess what—that’s the funky new way folks are describing a sore throat this season, and it’s been grabbing headlines as one of the signature symptoms of the Stratus COVID strain. Now, I don’t know about you, but a “razor-blade throat” sounds way more intense than your typical scratchy throat from a cold. Dr. William Schaffner from Vanderbilt points out that this nasty sore throat, coupled with a hoarse voice, might just be what sets this new variant apart—or maybe we’re just noticing it more because, hey, COVID isn’t exactly ready to take a vacation yet. So, what’s really going on with Stratus, and why should you care? It’s simple: COVID’s coming back into the spotlight this fall, and whether you call it a “razor-blade” or just a brutal scratch, it’s a reminder to stay sharp—and maybe keep those tests handy. Curious to dig deeper into the symptoms shaking up this season and how to stay one step ahead of the virus? LEARN MORE

A sore throat that feels like swallowing glass—a.k.a. “razor-blade throat”—has become one of the most talked-about of the new COVID symptoms linked to Stratus, the strain of the virus driving new cases this season.

“There’s enough discussion about that—a really bad sore throat and a sense of hoarseness—that it may distinguish this variant a little bit from previous ones,” says William Schaffner, MD, professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “Whether this is something new or just newly emphasized, we don’t know. What we do know is that COVID hasn’t gone away.”

And that, Dr. Schaffner adds, may be the real take away behind the chatter about “razor-blade throats”. Whether or not this symptom proves unique, it’s a sign COVID infections are making the rounds again, and that it’s time to pay attention.

What to know about Stratus, the new COVID strain

Five years in, COVID has shifted from a global crisis to a needling presence—the kind of virus that flares up when the weather cools and people head indoors. The XFG COVID-19 variant, aka “Stratus,” is the strain driving most of today’s cases.

The Stratus variant, one of the newer branches of Omicron, has been linked to a rise in COVID cases in several regions during the summer and continues to dominate heading into the fall. And while it spreads easily, so far it hasn’t been shown to cause more serious illness than past recent strains, says Dr. Schaffner.

“Over 95 percent of the U.S. population has experienced COVID in some form, either from the virus itself, vaccination or both,” he says. That widespread immunity helps explain why hospitalizations and deaths are down even as new variants appear.

Still, the virus should not be taken lightly. “The people who continue to be hospitalized because of COVID tend to be older and have underlying chronic medical conditions,” he says. “They include diabetes, any kind of heart or lung disease and being overweight.”

What are the 3 new COVID symptoms this year?

The three symptoms standing out this season are a sore or “razor-blade” throat, fatigue, and congestion. All are signs that can mimic a cold, but may point to COVID. Among those, throat pain has drawn the most attention.

“There’s been a lot of comments about this really bad sore throat and a sense of hoarseness,” Dr. Schaffner says. That “razor-blade” feeling many describe may set this strain apart, or it may simply be what’s catching people’s notice this time.

Case in point, his wife’s bout with COVID a few years ago brought on similar symptoms. “She really had a bad sore throat for two weeks,” he recalls. Overall, he says, newer COVID strains have not been that different from past ones in terms of the symptoms they trigger.

“When all is said and done and you do the rigorous studies, there haven’t been any symptoms that have been particularly distinctive, with the possible exception that the loss of taste and smell was more prominent during the height of COVID than now,” he explains.

Why testing still matters—and when Paxlovid works best

The severity and duration of COVID-19 symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Most people who catch the new Stratus COVID strain will feel achy, tired and congested for several days before gradually improving, while others may take weeks—and some even months—to fully recover from their symptoms, Dr. Schaffner says

Because the signs can overlap so easily with colds, flu or allergies, it’s impossible to tell whether you have COVID from symptoms alone, which is why testing is important, he adds. “If you do get sick, particularly if you’re in that high-risk group, get yourself tested,” Dr. Schaffner advises. “We can give you Paxlovid, an anti-viral medicine that further reduces your risk of severe illness.”

Paxlovid works best when started early, ideally within the first few days of symptoms, which is why quick testing is so important. And today’s at-home tests are simple and accurate, Dr. Schaffner notes. “You just have to swab your nose. It’s much easier than before,” he says.

As for when it’s safe to rejoin others without infecting them, Dr. Schaffner recommends waiting until you feel well and your fever has been gone for at least a full day. “If your temperature is back to normal and has stayed that way for 24 hours, you’re pretty safe to go out and about again,” he says.

Simple ways to lower your COVID risk right now

With fall viruses already circulating, Dr. Schaffner says prevention starts with protection. “The time to get it is now,” he says of the updated COVID shot. The vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older, following a conversation with their doctor, with particular emphasis on older adults and those with chronic health conditions. (Learn if Medicare covers COVID shots.)

He acknowledges that many people are still unsure about eligibility or even where to find the new booster. Pharmacies are still working out the details, and availability can vary by location, but most major chains say no paperwork or doctor’s note is required.

“While we’re thinking of getting our COVID vaccines, let’s get our flu vaccines also,” he says. “That’s another nasty virus that’s starting to wake up.”

A pneumonia vaccine, he adds, “is recommended for everyone aged 50 and older and helps prevent one of the most common complications of both flu and COVID.”

If side effects are a concern, he offers a simple tip: “If you have something important scheduled the next day, get the shot on a Friday so you can rest over the weekend.”

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.