CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – Medical officials in the Lowcountry are warning about a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases, fueled in part by a new variant being called “Razor Blade COVID” because of its signature symptom, an extremely painful sore throat.
Dr. Jon Carter with Roper Express Care says his offices have already seen as many positive COVID tests this month as they did in May, June, and July combined.
“This particular strain is causing what people describe as a razor blade sore throat,” Carter said. “We often find the positive covids instead of strep. That goes along with having other flu-like symptoms that suggest it’s not strep.”
Doctors say the variant is part of the Omicron family and has been tracked nationwide for several months, but cases are now climbing in South Carolina. Many patients, Carter adds, are surprised when their tests come back positive.
He encourages anyone experiencing a sudden, severe sore throat, especially when paired with flu-like symptoms, to take a home COVID test. If negative, he recommends being checked by a doctor to rule out other illnesses like strep or mono.
With schools back in session, Carter says it’s normal to see more sickness circulating in August, but the same COVID precautions still apply:
- Stay home if you’re sick
- Wear a mask if you’re recovering
- Cough into your elbow
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to recommend staying up to date with COVID boosters.
“COVID is likely never going away,” Carter said. “But we know how to manage it, and people should know when to get tested and when to seek help.”
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