COVID Cases are Rising Again: What to Know About the NIMBUS Variant

Last fall we talked about rising COVID rates and shifting to telehealth when needed. Here we are again. Summer 2025 brings another wave, this time led by a variant called NIMBUS (NB1.8.1). COVID waves (along with RSV, and flu, and other bugs) seem to come with the territory of hiding out in the AC through the worst of the Texas heat and with the annual back-to-school sharing-of-germs.

What is going on now?
COVID-19 cases are increasing across the United States, but Texas is one of the fastest growing areas. The NIMBUS variant is spreading quickly, now present in 24 to 26 states, and is currently the most common strain in the country. Dallas County has reported a sharp increase in cases from June to July, so we are definitely seeing this locally.

What are the symptoms of NIMBUS?
NIMBUS symptoms show some overlap with the Omicron variant. Common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, runny nose, headache, and cough, Some people describe the sore throat with NIMBUS as feeling like "razor blades." Others have reported mouth sores (like canker sores), hoarseness, or gastrointestinal issues like nausea and vomiting.  

Is it a more severe strain?
Current data suggests that NIMBUS is not causing more severe illness (e.g., more hospitalizations or deaths) than previous variants. The concern is its increased transmissibility. More contagious variants lead to more overall cases, which increases the likelihood that vulnerable individuals could end up hospitalized.

What is the best way to protect yourself?
Updated COVID vaccines remain effective at reducing the risk of serious illness and long-COVID symptoms. Masking in crowded spaces and frequent handwashing are still helpful. If you do get COVID, especially if you are at higher risk or immunocompromised group, ask your doctor about antiviral medications right away. Starting treatment early can reduce the chance of serious illness. 

What you can do now:

1. Mask up in crowded indoor spaces. Wash your hands often. Keep air circulating.
2. Talk with your doctor about getting a booster if it has been six months or more since your last dose.
3. Switch to telehealth if you are feeling unwell, especially if you have a sore throat, fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, or believe you may have been exposed. I will do the same.

You can find additional information by following the links below.

• AP News
• KERA News
• New York Presbyterian: Health Matters