June 26.2025
Maninder Grewal
Health experts have advised Canadians—especially seniors—to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine, as the new Nimbus variant is rapidly spreading in parts of China, India, and the United States.
A recent study found that the updated vaccine can reduce the risk of severe illness by up to 70%, although its protection may decline over time.
India is experiencing a renewed rise in COVID-19 cases, with over 7,000 active infections and more than 70 recent deaths. While SARS-CoV-2 now behaves like a seasonal virus similar to influenza, a new variant—NB.1.8.1, also known as ‘Nimbus’—is gaining global attention due to a particularly painful symptom: a sore throat described by some as feeling like “razor blades.”
The NB.1.8.1 variant has been spreading quickly in China and Hong Kong, and has now been identified in several U.S. states, including California, Washington, Virginia, and New York, according to an Associated Press report. Australia has also reported cases, and in the UK, 13 infections were confirmed in June along with a nearly 10% increase in hospitalizations, The Independent reported. India has also detected both the variant and its symptoms.
As of mid-May, NB.1.8.1 made up nearly 11% of all globally sequenced COVID-19 samples, indicating a fast-growing presence. The hallmark symptom of this variant is an intensely painful sore throat. Other common symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell.
Despite its spread, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that NB.1.8.1 does not seem to cause more severe illness compared to earlier strains and is currently considered low risk. It has been classified as a “variant under monitoring,” meaning it is being closely watched but is not yet seen as a major global threat. Vaccines approved by the U.S. FDA—Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Novavax—are expected to offer protection against NB.1.8.1, as it belongs to the Omicron JN.1 lineage.
Prevention remains essential
The recommended precautions haven’t changed much: wear a mask in crowded areas, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, wash and sanitize your hands frequently, and stay home if you’re feeling unwell. Well-ventilated spaces continue to be safer, particularly during periods of increased transmission.