16/01/2026
2026
What Are the New COVID Variant Symptoms?
The new COVID variants primarily show symptoms that align with typical respiratory infections, making it difficult to distinguish them from colds or flu without testing. Common symptoms include:
Fever or chills
Persistent cough (dry and continuous)
Sore throat, often intense or sharp, especially with the NB.1.8.1/Nimbus variant
Nasal congestion or runny nose
Fatigue and muscle aches
Headache
Loss of taste or smell (less common with some newer variants)
Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (less frequent)
The distinct "razor blade" sore throat reported with the NB.1.8.1 variant represents a sharper, stabbing sensation unlike the milder throat irritation seen previously. Most symptoms tend to be mild to moderate, though severity can vary based on vaccination status and individual health conditions.