The Covid 19 pandemic has left everyone scarred and with the emergence of a new painful Covid syndrome, people are starting to get worried again. There are multiple symptoms of Covid, like fever, cough, respiratory issues etc. However, people in China who are affected by Covid have started to report a new symptom, which is being called ‘razor blade throat’ because of the extreme soreness it is causing in one’s throat.
This has caused panic in the US also, as data presented by Google trends show that people have been searching things like ‘new covid variant painful symptom’ and covid razor throat’.
As per HuffPost, Talking about this new symptom, Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine in the department of health policy at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, said, “In the past, as new variants have come on the scene, there almost invariably have been questions about distinctive symptoms, and after a while, when you gather a lot of data, turns out not to be the case — all of these symptoms have occurred before.”
He further added, “Although the more recent variants, these omicron variants, are less severe.” Dr. Carrie Horn, the chief medical officer and chief of the division of hospital and internal medicine at National Jewish Health in Colorado mentioned that an extremely sore throat is not exclusively indicative of Covid and can hint at other health issues as well.
The doctors’ words make it clear that an extremely sore throat is not a certain indication of a Covid infection and while some people might experience it, not everyone will do so. Moreover, it is a relatively new symptom that has been added to the wide list of symptoms that a Covid patient might show.
Talking about the same, Dr. Mark Burns, an infectious disease expert at UofL Health in Louisville, Kentucky, said, “A sore throat is a symptom of this, but also fever and cough and fatigue, these are all symptoms as well.” He further added, “To sum it all up, the symptoms, including sore throat, are really no different. There’s no increased intensity based on sore throat or anything like that.”
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With the rise of this new symptom, it is best to try to take certain precautions to avoid getting infected by Covid. Since Covid cases go the highest during winter and mid-to-late summer, Schaffner said, “And so there has been a longstanding recommendation by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices that people who are at increased risk of getting severe COVID should actually get two COVID vaccinations a year. Obviously, one in the fall to prevent the winter increase, but another right now in order to help prevent serious disease during the late summer and early fall.”
He further added, “The recommendation is take special precautions and get that extra dose, because if we get infected … we get that extra protection and to help keep us out of the hospital.” Moreover, using masks in closed spaces, maintaining social distance, washing hands at regular intervals also work as precautionary measures against Covid.
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However, if someone gets affected by Covid, there are treatments available. Like Horns said, “Over-the-counter meds help — Ibuprofen alternating with Tylenol, if you’re able to take those … there’s no reason to be miserable,” Horn said. “So, take the medicine that you are able to take to help.” Besides taking help from these medicines it is also important to consult a doctor regarding the symptoms and treatment methods.
