If you wake up with a razor blade sore throat, a hoarse voice, and a fever, you might be dealing with one of the new COVID variants of 2025 spreading this fall. 

Health officials are saying Stratus (XFG) and Nimbus (NB.1.8.1) are currently the most common variants in circulation.

What We Know About the New COVID Variants

XFG and NB.1.8.1 are now the dominant variants being tracked. The good news is, officials are saying there’s no evidence of increased severity compared with earlier Omicron-family strains. 

However, minor genetic changes may help the virus spread more easily or slightly reduce your immunity, which is why health authorities are continuing to monitor the new variants closely.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

That sharp throat pain, often described as a COVID sore throat symptom, is one of the most common complaints this season. Then, people continue to report the familiar mix of:

• Congestion

• Cough

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Sore throat

More recently, some folks have described a hoarse voice or a sharp “razor blade” sore throat. 

But it’s important not to panic because we can’t forget that these symptoms heavily overlap with the common cold and flu. So, as always, it’s best to treat these as early observations, not firm diagnoses.

If you’re starting to feel unwell, try to stay home if possible, wear a face mask if you need to go out, and keep up with hand hygiene and tissue disposal. 

For sore throat relief, drink plenty of fluids, rest, and try to enjoy some tea with a teaspoon of honey. These simple steps are still effective ways to reduce the spread of the virus and ease the symptoms, whether it’s COVID, flu, or another seasonal virus.

Who Can Get a COVID Vaccine Right Now

In early October 2025, the CDC updated its guidance to remove the blanket recommendation for COVID-19 vaccination for all Americans. 

Instead, the agency now advises people to make the decision in consultation with their doctors, focusing on older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and those with underlying health conditions who remain the most at risk for severe illness.

Updated vaccine formulations are still available nationwide through pharmacies and healthcare clinics, including versions targeting the latest Omicron subvariants. 

Many states and insurers continue to cover the shot at no cost for eligible groups, while others may require payment or private insurance billing. 

If you’re unsure about your eligibility or whether to get a booster, you can check the CDC’s current vaccine guidance or speak directly with your doctor.

Testing, Reinfection, and Practical Steps

Free at-home COVID tests through federal programs have largely wrapped up, but rapid antigen tests are still easy to find at major pharmacies, supermarkets, and online retailers. 

Reinfections can occur even after a recent case or a booster, so it’s worth taking any new symptoms seriously, especially if you live with or care for anyone vulnerable.

Staying Ahead of New COVID Variants

Viruses evolve, but the basics remain the same. Staying up to date with your COVID vaccine and 2025 booster may help protect you against severe outcomes. 

Staying home when you don’t feel well, practicing good hand hygiene, and following public health updates may also go a long way.

For now, there’s no sign that the COVID variant Stratus or the COVID variant Nimbus cause more severe effects than other strains. Still, a little bit of caution and a dollop of common sense can keep you and those around you healthier through the season.

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