Should Older Adults Be Concerned About the New "Razor Blade Throat" COVID Variant?
- Elder Love USA
- Jun 27
- 3 min read
A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, is spreading quickly, with an increasing number of people getting infected.
This variant, referred to as the "razor blade throat" variant, is known for causing an especially severe sore throat that some describe as feeling like their throat is covered in razor blades.
First detected in China and other parts of Asia, NB.1.8.1 has now made its way to the U.S. and is gaining ground in California, where one of the first cases in the country was confirmed.
As with previous strains, there’s always concern when a new variant emerges, especially if it’s more transmissible than those that came before it. So, what should caregivers and families of older adults know about the risks?
Should Older Adults Be Concerned?
Older adults are at higher risk for severe illness if they contract COVID-19. According to the CDC, more than 81% of COVID-19 deaths occur in people aged 65 and older. As age increases, so does the risk of developing serious complications from the virus, making caution especially important for older adults.
However, the good news is th
Although the rise in infections is concerning, hospitalization rates remain low and steady in areas where the variant is spreading, according to the California Department of Public Health.
The severe sore throat symptom, while notable, isn’t entirely new—similar complaints have been associated with the Omicron variant, which has caused widespread infections.
Experts continue to monitor this new strain especially the often reported severe throat symptom, but so far, there’s no evidence suggesting that NB.1.8.1 is more dangerous than other variants.
What Caregivers Can Do to Protect Older Adults
As a caregiver or family member of an older adult, there are several key actions you can take to reduce the risk of infection and protect your loved ones from the impacts of COVID-19:
1. Stay Informed About COVID-19 Updates
It’s important to stay up to date with the latest news on COVID-19, including infection rates, symptoms, and what to do if you or your loved one becomes sick. Being informed allows you to make decisions quickly and take appropriate action.
2. Be Aware of the Symptoms
Symptoms may vary by variant and vaccination status, but common COVID-19 symptoms include:
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
New loss of taste or smell
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
If your loved one experiences any of these symptoms, get them tested for COVID-19, especially if they’ve had exposure to someone who is positive. You may be able to get COVID-19 tests for free through your local Area Agency on Aging or other local resources.
In some cases, COVID-19 symptoms can worsen quickly. If your loved one shows signs of:
Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion
Inability to wake or stay awake
Skin, lips, or nail beds turning pale, gray, or blue
If you notice any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
3. Keep Vaccinations Up to Date
Vaccination continues to be one of the most effective tools in preventing severe illness.
Make sure your loved one is up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.
You can visit Vaccines.gov or reach out to the Eldercare Locator to find nearby vaccination locations.
For homebound older adults, Medicare may cover the cost of a healthcare professional visiting their home to administer the vaccine.
4. Practice Preventive Measures
Encourage your loved one to avoid crowded places, especially where ventilation is poor. If they must go out, wearing an N95 or KN95 mask is a more effective way to protect against the virus. Ensure frequent handwashing, and disinfect commonly touched surfaces regularly to minimize risks.
The Bottom Line
The NB.1.8.1 variant is spreading, and while it’s raising some concerns due to its transmissibility and the painful sore throat it causes, the risk to older adults remains manageable with the right precautions.
Vaccination, awareness of symptoms, and proactive prevention measures are your best defense. Stay informed, take action when necessary, and support your loved one with the resources they need to stay healthy.
Sources: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/covid-variant-nb181-causing-razor-blade-throat/story?id=123004186
https://www.cdc.gov/covid/signs-symptoms/index.html https://www.ncoa.org/article/covid-19-has-not-gone-away-how-older-adults-can-stay-safe/
Comments