Why COVID ‘Razor Blade’ Sore Throat Hurts So Bad

June 27, 2025: As COVID-19 continues to evolve through new variants and waves, doctors have noticed a shift in how certain symptoms present—particularly sore throat, which some patients now report as more intense than in earlier stages of the pandemic.

Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, explains that this heightened discomfort could be due to changes in how the virus affects the body. “They are from the inflammatory reaction to the virus,” Chin-Hong noted, referencing the direct irritation the virus causes in the throat tissue.

During the early days of the pandemic, systemic symptoms like fever, fatigue, and shortness of breath were more dominant, potentially overshadowing localized issues such as sore throats. But now, with newer variants and a shift in symptom profiles, a sore throat is emerging as one of the standout signs of infection.

“Back then, people were more focused on the more dangerous systemic issues,” Chin-Hong added. “Now, with symptoms milder overall, the sore throat has become more noticeable—and, for some, more painful.”

This shift in symptom prominence serves as a reminder that COVID-19 remains unpredictable. While vaccines and prior infections may help reduce severity, the way the virus manifests continues to evolve.

Doctors recommend testing if you experience a sudden or severe sore throat, especially when accompanied by other flu-like symptoms. Early detection and proper isolation remain key to curbing the spread of the virus, even in its less severe but still uncomfortable forms.