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The new COVID-19 strain has been nicknamed Nimbus — which is easier to remember, but for some is a nod to Harry Potter’s broomstick.

According to , University of öÏÓãÊÓƵapp professor Dr. T. Ryan Gregory was the first to .

Online reports describe a sore throat that feels like ‘razor blazes’

Nimbus was used as a description, based on the meteorological term for a jagged type of storm cloud, said.

And the jagged name fits, as this variant may leave you with a sore throat, which various sources have described as feeling like “razor blades.�

As quoted in a , Dr. Fahad Razak, an internal medicine physician at St. Michael’s Hospital and former scientific director of the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, explained while he’s heard these claims, sore throats aren’t new for people who get COVID-19 — adding there’s likely no significance to the online reports.

What are the other symptoms of the new COVID-19 variant?

Other symptoms include typical COVID-19 symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, fever, chills, fatigue or weakness, muscle or body aches, headache and a loss of smell or taste. Difficulty breathing and diarrhea and vomiting can also be attributed to the strain.

According to the  (WHO), this is “a variant under monitoring,� with increased circulation in western Pacific region, the Americas, and the European region. Twenty-two countries have reported the strain.

COVID-19 infections remain low — but a summer uptick is possible

reports that the risk of COVID-19 infections remains low — with 157 patients confirmed to have an infection for the week of June 1 to 7.

But health officials are watching the Nimbus strain, with projections the transmission rate would start to increase, with 47 cases reported from .

Health experts predict a possible summer uptick in transmission and encourage people to get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster.

Variant expected to become dominant strain in Ontario

“Eligible individuals six months to 11 years old who are moderately to severely immunocompromised are encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine by June 17, as the vaccine for this age group (Moderna) will be expiring,� the province . “Vaccines for this age group will be available (again) in fall 2025.�

The spring, COVID-19 vaccine season ends for eligible individuals 12 years and older on June 30, the province added.

Many pharmacies have COVID-19 vaccines available, but you might want to call ahead to confirm. Check the province’s portal at for more details.

Health officials also suggest going back to mask‑wearing and hand hygiene practises to lower the risk of transmission.