When I first saw the media calling the new Covid variant NB.1.8.1 “razor blade throat variant”… I cringed. It was such a blatant attempt at a click bait headline, and given almost all of the articles minimized the risk, it felt like lazy journalism.
But then something happened…
People started to pay attention. They started asking where to get masks and tests. They started asking if I had spare respirators. They engaged. I’ve genuinely not had this many people ask about masking in years.
I’m still furious with the media for continuing to downplay it by saying “no need to worry” even as China and other parts of Asia report that hospitalizations have doubled. They say it’s “not more severe” even when a doubling cases could quickly overwhelm healthcare systems
They use sensationalist terms like “razor blade throat” but then don’t tell the public how to protect themselves. At best they mention boosters, despite RFK Jr recently announcing restricted access to COVID vaccines. There’s no mention of respirators, testing or clean air.
There’s no guidance for healthcare workers. There’s no urging people to stay home when sick. I haven’t even seen much debate as to WHY so many people are hospitalized. Is the strain more severe or is it just evading immunity so well that it’s infecting twice as many people?
Either way I would argue it’s cause for concern. Omicron was already wildly contagious, if a new dominant strain is twice as virulent that will lead to more death and disability (both of which we’ve seen far too much of already)
So whether you want to call it “razor blade throat” or not… let’s agree to take precautions. Let’s protect one another. Let’s do what governments and public health have failed to do… commit to stopping chains of transmission.
I know it’s frustrating when people say “covid’s back” when we know it never left. I know it’s frustrating when they only pay attention now because it has a scary new name. But it’s also a window of opportunity. It’s a chance to educate people on how to protect themselves and their communities
It’s a chance to start a dialogue about the risks of repeat infections, the lack of herd immunity and the various layers of protection available. It’s a chance to change hearts and minds.
Wear a mask, ideally an N95 or better. Clean & ventilate the air. Stay home when sick.
☭
(he/they) 
