As new Covid variants Stratus and Nimbus spread across the US, doctors highlight unusual and painful symptoms associated with them. The Nimbus strain, in particular, causes a sharp, stabbing sore throat reportedly similar to being scratched by razor blades.
Other common symptoms include fatigue, fever, cough, nasal congestion, and occasional digestive upset. Stratus variant shows slightly enhanced immune evasion properties, making it harder for previous vaccinations or infections to provide full protection.
While the variants are not causing worse disease than past forms, experts remind the public that even mild infections risk lingering complications, especially for older adults and those with weak immune systems.
