Having a severe sore throat feels like swallowing razor blades. During COVID-19, a lot of people complained of experiencing similar symptoms, also called “razor blade throat”, which causes sharp, cutting pain when speaking or trying to swallow something, even liquids.
Read more to understand what causes razor blade throat and what you can do to treat it at home.
Razor Blade Throat and Its Causes
Having a “sore throat like swallowing a razor blade” is used to describe the intense pain associated with a sore throat.
Experts say that the incidence of Razor throat may be more frequent with Nimbus, which is a subvariant of Omicron, a variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It causes swelling in the throat and makes swallowing painful.
It is not like the regular scratchiness, but causes intense pain that feels sharper and more intense, almost like there are tiny cuts inside the throat. That’s why people often say, “My throat is like razor blades.”
Due to this one major symptom, Nimbus is commonly referred to as the “razor blade throat variant,” but it is not an actual medical term for this variant.
Doctors advise that having a razor-thin throat does not mean the virus is high-risk, but you may need to take extra care and time to heal completely.
The good news is that the spread of the NIMBUS variant, NB.1.8.1, spiked at the end of May 2025 and began to decline after June 13, 2025, in India, according to The Hindu.
However, this dominant strain of virus has not entirely vanished and can still infect people. Moreover, one NCBI report states that Omicron can bypass the immune system, making COVID-19 vaccines less effective against it.
Therefore, precaution and care are still required as discussed in the following sections.
Razor Blade Throat Symptoms
If you’re experiencing Razor Blade Throat with COVID, here are common symptoms to watch for:
- Intense throat pain while swallowing
- Burning or cutting sensation in the throat
- Severe dryness and irritation
- Redness and swelling in the throat
- Difficulty eating or drinking due to sharp pain
- Scratchy or raw feeling in the throat
- Sometimes accompanied by fever, cough, or fatigue
Razor Blade Throat Treatment
If you test positive for COVID-19, having a mildly sore throat is common, and it can be managed with at-home remedies and management tips as follows:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink warm fluids, such as soups, herbal teas (ginger, tulsi, black pepper, and turmeric), or plain warm water to help soothe a sore throat throughout the day.
- Saltwater Gargle: Gargle with warm water mixed with salt to reduce swelling, infection, and irritation.
- Take Lozenges and Throat Sprays: Throughout the day, use lozenges and throat sprays to provide temporary relief from pain and help prevent a dry cough.
- Humidifier or Steam Inhalation: Inhaling moist air, through steam inhalation and a humidifier, can indirectly help soothe a sore throat by minimising throat dryness.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Take medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease pain, but consult a doctor before use.
Most patients with COVID-19 do not require hospitalisation unless they experience severe respiratory discomfort. So, if your symptoms are severe, consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
What Can Worsen Razor Blade Throat
While the healing takes time, understanding the factors that can exacerbate these symptoms can help you prevent a razor blades sore throat. Learn about them below:
- Dehydration
- Spicy and acidic foods/fruits
- Taking too much or speaking too loudly
- Dryness in the environment
- Smoking or drinking alcohol
- Cold beverages or carbonated drinks
- Ignoring proper rest
Preventing Razor Blade Throat
Being a viral infection, COVID-19 can take time to go away as your immune system fights back. But if you haven’t caught it yet and want to keep it that way, the following tips would be helpful:
- Washing your hands regularly helps limit infections.
- Drink enough fluids to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Use a mask in crowded places to avoid exposure.
- Eating a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and protein supports your immune system.
Read More: 10 Home Remedies For A Sore Throat
To Sum Up
A sore throat that feels like razor blades can be overwhelming, but understanding why it happens makes it less scary. COVID-19, especially certain variants, tends to affect the upper respiratory tract more severely, leading to a sensation of a razor-blade throat.
The good news is that with proper rest, hydration, and simple home remedies, most cases improve within a few days. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, medical attention is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Razor Blade Throat
What does razor blade throat mean?
It means that your sore throat is so severe that it causes extreme pain and discomfort when you try to swallow or speak.
How to soothe a razor blade throat?
You can soothe your sore throat with rest and home remedies. Gargle with saltwater, drink hot herbal beverages, and take lozenges for quicker relief.
What causes a razor blade throat?
A throat that feels like a razor blade is a characteristic feature of the recent COVID-19 variant, known as NIMBUS.
How long will the razor blade throat last?
It typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks for the soreness of the razor throat to improve. However, if it does not, it is best to consult the doctor.
