By Jackie Annett Layla Nicholson
A new ‘Frankenstein’ variant of Covid is rapidly spreading across the UK and is ‘highly contagious’, potentially becoming the most prevalent strain in a matter of weeks. The new ‘highly contagious’ variant exhibits symptoms similar to the previous Omicron subvariants. Many people might not realise that they even have Covid, but for those displaying symptoms there’s one that can’t be missed. Although symptoms such as fever , fatigue, cough, muscle aches and a blocked nose are some of the more ‘common’ effects of contagion, a ‘razor blade’ sore throat is part and parcel of the new ‘monstrous’ variant. Additionally, some patients have reported experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhoea. Dr Thuva Amuthan, founder of Dr.Derme Skin Clinics, explained how to identify the symptoms associated with this new strain, alsi dubbed ‘Stratus’. The doctor highlighted that while it’s not currently the dominant strain, it poses a health risk due to its higher transmissibility compared to other variants, reports the Mirror . “NB.1.8.1 is a descendant of the JN.1 Omicron subvariant and carries several mutations in its spike protein, enhancing its ability to bind to human receptors and potentially evade immunity from previous infections or vaccinations,” the expert told The Mirror. “This makes it more transmissible and capable of causing breakthrough infections.” While it shares many symptoms with earlier variants of Covid, the presence of an exceptionally painful sore throat, often described as ‘razor blade throat,’ may be more pronounced with Stratus, also known as NB. 1.8.1. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported that the ‘Frankenstein’ variant has been identified in small quantities within the UK, while global data indicates its prevalence among COVID-19 cases is on the rise worldwide. “Globally, NB.1.8.1 accounted for approximately 24% of all submitted SARS-CoV-2 sequences in the week ending 15 June 2025, a slight increase from 23% in the previous week,” Dr Amuthan stated. “In contrast, the LP.8.1 variant was the most widespread globally during the same period, accounting for 26% of sequences, although this represented a decrease from 28% the week before. “NB.1.8.1 has shown a greater ability to evade the immune system, meaning it can infect individuals who have been vaccinated or previously infected,” the doctor highlighted. “However, current vaccines still provide protection against severe disease. Current data suggests that it does not result in more severe illness compared to earlier Omicron subvariants. Most infections are mild, particularly among vaccinated individuals. “It’s vital to keep an eye on emerging variants like NB.1.8.1. Keeping vaccinations up-to-date, maintaining good hygiene, and seeking medical advice when experiencing unusual symptoms remain key strategies in managing the ongoing pandemic.”