New Delhi

Clinical reports have characterised “razor-blade” throat pain as a symptom of new Coronavirus Omicron variant, Nimbus. But there is no need to panic.

To begin, there is nothing to worry about with respect to the seriousness of this virus. It is not life-threatening except there is already an existing lung or heart related complication in a patient.

There is no evidence to suggest that it causes more serious trouble than its predecessors. It is, however, more transmissible.

The WHO has reported this variant to be a low risk. The only concern, according to infectious disease experts and the WHO, that remains is its infectiousness and what has popularly become known as a symptom called the “razor-blade” throat.

This symptom makes it very difficult for patients to swallow water or food as they experience unbearable pain there.

Even this symptom is anecdotal and cannot be singled out to be a symptom of the Nimbus variant alone. It could also be due to some other viral infection.

In general, research has shown Omicron variants to cause more distress to the upper respiratory tract. Furthermore, they can cause gastrointestinal problems whose symptoms are commonly nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Doctors’ opinion is that none of these symptoms are a cause for serious concern and should be treated like regular viral infections.

Throat pain could also be indicative of bacterial infection so it is best to consult the nearest doctor.

Doctors recommend a COVID test at a lab only if the seriousness of symptoms persist for two or more days. If not vaccinated for Covid-19, it is recommended that you go for the test.

According to the WHO one should keep in mind that if a vaccine has for instance, an 80% efficacy rate, it does not mean that the vaccine works only 80% of the time. It means that the disease will affect 80% fewer people from the population.

There is nothing about the nature of the virus that distinguishes it from other viral infections that cause the same symptoms.

Doctors suggest in case of any infection, drink plenty of fluids, rest well and only take anti-viral medication prescribed by a doctor.

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Other common viral infections include rhinovirus (cold) and norovirus (stomach flu).