Are Sore Throats Contagious?
Can a sore throat spread to others? The answer lies in what's causing it. Cepacol®, known for its sore throat lozenges1, Medsip (hot medication)2&3, and now new raspberry-flavoured effervescent4, explores causes of sore throats and their potential for contagion.
Ever had that scratchy, uncomfortable feeling in your throat? That's often pharyngitis, which is a medical term for a sore throat. Sore throats can arise from various culprits, ranging from infections to environmental irritants. Pinpointing the exact cause helps determine whether you're at risk of spreading it to those around you5.
Most sore throats are triggered by viruses.6 Think of the common cold, where a dry and scratchy throat often kicks off the show, soon joined by a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and maybe a mild cough.7a Then there's the flu, which tends to hit harder, bringing a sudden, severe sore throat, fever and chills, muscle pain and body aches, headache, fatigue, and shortness of breath.7b And let's not forget about coronavirus disease (COVID-19); while its symptoms vary, a sore throat is a frequently reported early sign of infection.7c
Bacteria can also cause sore throats, with strep throat or whooping cough being common culprits. For these bacterial infections, you're considered contagious when you start to experience your symptoms. 8a Unlike viral sore throats, which usually resolve on their own, bacterial infections require antibiotics8b to prevent complications. You're typically considered no longer contagious after you've been on antibiotics for a period of time, which depends on the type of infection.8c
Not all sore throats are due to infections. For instance, physical factors like smoking, snoring, or even shouting can irritate your throat. Medical procedures such as tracheal intubation and certain medications might also contribute. Environmental elements – exposure to indoor and outdoor pollutants, extreme temperatures, low humidity, and hazardous or occupational irritants – can all lead to throat discomfort.9 Since these causes don't involve infectious agents, they're not something you can pass on to others.
If your sore throat is due to a viral or bacterial infection, it's possible to spread it to others through indirect or direct contact. Direct contact involves touching an infected person, like through a handshake, and then touching your face, allowing the virus to enter your system.10a Indirect contact happens when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the virus lands on surfaces like doorknobs or phones. If someone else touches these surfaces and then touches their face, they can become infected. 10b
Most infectious diseases, including respiratory viruses, are most contagious when symptoms peak. This means that during the height of your illness, you're more likely to spread the virus to others.11 For bacterial infections like strep throat, you're considered to be contagious when you start to experience symptoms, and typically considered no longer contagious after you've been on a regimen of antibiotics.8
If you or someone in your household has a sore throat, taking steps to prevent spreading it is crucial. Practising good hygiene is a great start. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds12a and use alcohol-based hand sanitisers if soap isn't available.12b Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the crook of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.12c Regularly disinfect commonly touched surfaces and objects12d like doorknobs and light switches. Staying home when you're sick12e not only helps you recover but also prevents spreading illness to others.
While a sore throat usually goes away, if you experience a severe sore throat accompanied by a fever exceeding 38.3° C that persists beyond one to two days, difficulty sleeping due to obstructed breathing from swollen tonsils or adenoids, or the appearance of a red rash, it's time to see a doctor.13
Life doesn't pause for a sore throat, and neither should you. Cepacol® recognises that when discomfort strikes, you need swift relief to keep up with your daily activities. That's why we've developed a diverse range of products tailored to provide targeted comfort, including our latest innovation: the Cepacol® Effervescent – a fizzy raspberry-flavoured effervescent provides double-duty relief for the whole family (children 6 +).
Cepacol® Effervescent4 helps to relief symptoms of cold and flu such as sore throat, nasal congestion, sneezing and cough, opening of the airways, thinning of mucus and providing relief of coughs associated with inflammation of the airways. It also supports the immune function within the upper respiratory tract and provides antioxidant support for the maintenance of good health.
In addition to Cepacol®'s newly launched raspberry-flavoured effervescent4, the Cepacol® range includes cough and cold syrup14, Plus cough and cold syrup15 specifically designed for nighttime relief, a throat spray16 and throat gargle17, Medsip, a hot medicated drink2&3 in either ginger or honey lemon flavours, and antibacterial throat lozenges1 in four great tasting flavours – regular, black current, honey & lemon and menthol.
So, when you're dealing with a stuffy nose, cough and scratchy throat, remember, there's a Cepacol® for that!
As we brace ourselves for the winter months, it's wise to be prepared. Adcock Ingram's Winter Warriors 2025 Campaign offers a range of products aimed at combating common cold and flu symptoms. With brands like Cepacol®, Panado®, Compral®, ProbiFlora™, Gummy® Vites and ViralGuard™, you can arm yourself and your loved ones against the seasonal sniffles.
Cepacol®'s range of products is now available at leading pharmacies and retailers nationwide. For more information and references, visit the website and join the conversation on Facebook.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
14 hours ago
- The South African
The Link Between Congestion and Sore Throats
Ever wondered why a scratchy throat often tags along with a stuffy nose? Cepacol®, known for its sore throat lozenges1, hot medication2&3, and now new raspberry-flavoured effervescent4, explores the link between nasal congestion and throat discomfort, and ways to find at-home relief. Our noses aren't just for sniffing out delicious scents or helping us savour our favourite foods; they're also our body's frontline defenders5a against countless microscopic invaders. Our noses naturally produce mucus to filter out unwelcome guests like dust, allergens and germs.5b Mucus is usually clear and mostly made up of water, although it also contains special proteins, sugars, and molecules that help the body control harmful germs.5c Usually, we don't notice the mucus, but when you're congested, your body goes into overdrive, producing more mucus than necessary.5c Typically, the mucus created when you're ill is also thicker and stickier than usual.5d This mucus can gather and drip down the back of the sinuses and into your throat – a process called post-nasal drip.6a Over time, this constant drip can cause a sore or scratchy throat, cough, and sneezing.6b Several usual suspects can lead to nasal congestion and subsequent throat irritation: Common Cold: The common cold is a viral infection that inflames the lining of your nose and throat. While over 200 different viruses can cause a cold, they are more often than not caused by rhinoviruses.7a After a cold virus enters your body, symptoms typically begin within two to three days and can last several days to several weeks.7b Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is an allergic reaction that causes sneezing, congestion, an itchy nose, and watery eyes.8a Triggers include pollen, pet dander, and mould.8b Despite its name, hay doesn't cause hay fever, and most people don't experience a fever.8c It's important to note that allergic rhinitis isn't the same as infectious rhinitis, and it isn't contagious.8d Sinusitis: Sinusitis, commonly known as a sinus infection, occurs when the sinuses empty spaces around your nasal passages, become inflamed, often due to infections and allergies.9a This inflammation can lead to symptoms such as postnasal drip, hoarse voice, swallowing more than usual, fever, headache, cough, nasal congestion, facial pain, and fatigue.9b While sinus infections themselves aren't contagious, the viruses or bacteria that cause them can spread from person to person.9c Structural Issues: Sometimes, the structure of your nasal passages can contribute to frequent congestion, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps. A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall (nasal septum) between your nasal passages is displaced to one side, making one nasal passage smaller than the other. This can lead to difficulty breathing through the nose.10a Other symptoms can include nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections, and snoring or noisy breathing during sleep.10b Nasal polyps, on the other hand, are soft, painless, noncancerous growths that develop on the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses. They often resemble teardrops or small grapes and can vary in size. 10c While small nasal polyps might not cause noticeable symptoms, larger ones can obstruct airflow, leading to postnatal drip, breathing difficulties, facial pain and pressure, loss of smell, and frequent infections.10d Environmental Factors: Sometimes, your environment can cause a stuffy, drippy nose. Irritants in the air, such as tobacco smoke, perfume, dust and car exhaust, can irritate the inside of your nose and cause congestion.11 Addressing the root causes of nasal congestion is key to preventing those bothersome sore throats. Here are some home remedies you can try: Use a Humidifier: Maintaining indoor humidity levels keeps your mucous membranes moist and helps soothe irritated nasal tissues, lessens sinus inflammation, and thins mucus (which helps it drain).12a Nasal Irrigation: Using a neti pot or similar device can help loosen thick mucus, promote sinus drainage and remove irritants. Using a nasal spray bottle to deliver a fine mist of saline into your nose can help soothe and moisturise dry nasal passages.12b Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress over your nose and forehead can help alleviate a headache or sinus pain caused by congestion. The heat works to reduce nasal inflammation and pressure, providing relief from discomfort.12c Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids can help thin the mucus in your nasal passages, making it easier for congested sinuses to drain.12d Elevate Your Head: Nasal congestion is often worse at night. That's because when you sleep flat, gravity causes mucus to pool or back up rather than drain.12e To support healthy sinus drainage, place an additional pillow or two under your head so that gravity works for you, not against you.12f You could also try wearing a nasal breathing strip, which elevates the sides of the nose and may help expand nasal passages and improve nighttime breathing.12g Cepacol® understands the discomfort that nasal congestion and sore throats can bring to your daily life and offers a wide range of formats and products tailored for targeted relief, including the newly launched Cepacol® Effervescent4 – a fantastically fizzy raspberry-flavoured effervescent provides double-duty relief for the whole family (6+). Cepacol® Effervescent4 helps to relieve symptoms of cold and flu such as sore throat, nasal congestion, sneezing and cough, opening of the airways, thinning of mucus and providing relief of coughs associated with inflammation of the airways. It also supports the immune function within the upper respiratory tract and provides antioxidant support for the maintenance of good health. In addition to Cepacol®'s newly launched raspberry-flavoured effervescent4, the Cepacol® range includes cough and cold syrup13, Plus cough and cold syrup14 specifically designed for nighttime relief, a throat spray15 and throat gargle16, Medsip, a hot medicated drink1&2 in either ginger or honey lemon flavours, and throat lozenges1 in four flavours – regular, black current, honey & lemon and menthol. So, when you're dealing with nasal congestion and a sore throat, remember, there's a Cepacol® for that! As we brace ourselves for the winter months, it's wise to be prepared. Adcock Ingram's Winter Warriors 2025 Campaign offers a range of products aimed at combating common cold and flu symptoms. With brands like Cepacol®, Panado®, Compral®, ProbiFlora™, Gummy® Vites and ViralGuard™, you can arm yourself and your loved ones against the seasonal sniffles. Cepacol®'s range of products is now available at leading pharmacies and retailers nationwide. For more information and references, visit Cepacol and join the conversation on Facebook. Cepacol® known for its sore throat lozenges1, hot medication2&3, and now new raspberry-flavoured effervescent4, is turning up the volume! Our voices are just as important as the words we speak. When a scratchy throat or cough sneaks in, it can irritate the vocal cords, changing the sound of our voice and leaving us with a croak, rasp, or even a whisper.5 Volkano Mini Mamba Bluetooth Speaker and Volkano Noise Cancelling Bluetooth headphones, valued at R1 200. Image: Supplied Cepacol® is here to ensure your voice is heard – and we're giving away a Volkano Mini Mamba Bluetooth Speaker and Volkano Noise Cancelling Bluetooth headphones, valued at R1 200. The Volkano Mini Mamba Bluetooth Speaker is perfect for enjoying your favourite tunes on the go, delivering big sound in a compact package. Meanwhile, the Volkano Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones let you enjoy crystal-clear audio without any background noise, silencing distractions, including the hacking sound of pesky seasonal coughs. So, whether you're tackling inflammation or infection of the voice box or simply need a musical boost to get through the season, remember, #TheresACepacolForThat! Cepacol®'s range of products – Raspberry-Flavoured Effervescent,4 Cough & Cold Syrup,7 Plus Cough & Cold Syrup,8 Throat Spray,9 Throat Gargle,10 Medsip,2&3 and Throat Lozenges1 – are available from leading pharmacies and retailers nationwide. For more information, visit and join the conversation on Facebook and @CepacolSA. #SupaCepacol® *T's & C's apply
IOL News
17 hours ago
- IOL News
The link between congestion and sore throats
Navigate nasal congestion and sore throats—Cepacol has you covered, Image: Supplied Image: Supplied Ever wondered why a scratchy throat often tags along with a stuffy nose? Cepacol®, known for its sore throat lozenges1, hot medication2&3, and now new raspberry-flavoured effervescent4, explores the link between nasal congestion and throat discomfort, and ways to find at-home relief. Why getting sniffly causes a sore throat Our noses aren't just for sniffing out delicious scents or helping us savour our favourite foods; they're also our body's frontline defenders5a against countless microscopic invaders. Our noses naturally produce mucus to filter out unwelcomed guests like dust, allergens and germs.5b Mucus is usually clear and mostly made up of water although it also contains special proteins, sugars, and molecules that help the body control harmful germs.5c Usually, we don't notice the mucus but when you're congested, your body goes into overdrive, producing more mucus than necessary.5c Typically, the mucus created when you're ill is also thicker and stickier than usual.5d This mucus can gather and drip down the back of the sinuses and into your throat – a process called post-nasal drip.6a Over time, this constant drip can cause a sore or scratchy throat, cough, and sneezing.6b Common causes of nasal congestion and sore throats Several usual suspects can lead to nasal congestion and subsequent throat irritation: Common cold: The common cold is a viral infection that inflames the lining of your nose and throat. While over 200 different viruses can cause a cold, they are more often than not caused by rhinoviruses.7a After a cold virus enters your body, symptoms typically begin within two to three days and can last several days to several weeks.7b Allergic rhinitis (hay fever): Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is an allergic reaction that causes sneezing, congestion, itchy nose, and watery eyes.8a Triggers include pollen, pet dander, and mould.8b Despite its name, hay doesn't cause hay fever, and most people don't experience a fever.8c It's important to note that allergic rhinitis isn't the same as infectious rhinitis, and it isn't contagious.8d Sinusitis: Sinusitis, commonly known as a sinus infection, occurs when the sinuses empty spaces around your nasal passages become inflamed, often due to infections and allergies.9a This inflammation can lead to symptoms such as postnasal drip, hoarse voice, swallowing more than usual, fever, headache, cough, nasal congestion, facial pain, and fatigue.9b While sinus infections themselves aren't contagious, the viruses or bacteria that cause them can spread from person to person.9c Structural issues: Sometimes, the structure of your nasal passages can contribute to frequent congestion, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps. The Cepacol® range of products are designed for effective treatment while supporting overall respiratory health, Image: Supplied A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall (nasal septum) between your nasal passages is displaced to one side, making one nasal passage smaller than the other. This can lead to difficulty breathing through the nose.10a Other symptoms can include nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections, and snoring or noisy breathing during sleep.10b Nasal polyps, on the other hand, are soft, painless, noncancerous growths that develop on the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses. They often resemble teardrops or small grapes and can vary in size. 10c While small nasal polyps might not cause noticeable symptoms, larger ones can obstruct airflow, leading to postnatal drip, breathing difficulties, facial pain and pressure, loss of smell, and frequent infections.10d Environmental factors: Sometimes, your environment can cause a stuffy, drippy nose. Irritants in the air, such as tobacco smoke, perfume, dust and car exhaust, can irate the inside of your nose and cause congestion.11 How to manage symptoms Addressing the root causes of nasal congestion is key to preventing those bothersome sore throats. Here are some home remedies you can try: Use a humidifier: Maintaining indoor humidity levels keeps your mucous membranes moist and helps soothe irritated nasal tissues, lessens sinus inflammation, and thins mucus (which helps it drain).12a Nasal irrigation: Using a neti pot or similar device can help loosen thick mucus, promote sinus drainage and remove irritants. Using a nasal spray bottle to deliver a fine mist of saline into your nose can help soothe and moisturise dry nasal passages.12b Warm compress: Applying a warm compress over your nose and forehead can help alleviate headache or sinus pain caused by congestion. The heat works to reduce nasal inflammation and pressure, providing relief from discomfort.12c Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids can help thin the mucus in your nasal passages, making it easier for congested sinuses to drain.12d Elevate your head: Nasal congestion is often worse at night. That's because when you sleep flat, gravity causes mucus to pool or back up rather than drain.12e To support healthy sinus drainage, place an additional pillow or two under your head so that gravity works for you, not against you.12f You could also try wearing a nasal breathing strip, which elevates the sides of the nose and may help expand nasal passages and improve nighttime breathing.12g Cepacol® offers an array of relief options for sore throats and cold symptoms, including the innovative raspberry-flavoured effervescent Image: Supplied Beat the scratch with Cepacol® new raspberry-flavoured effervescent Cepacol® understands the discomfort that nasal congestion and sore throats can bring to your daily life and offers a wide range of formats and products tailored for targeted relief, including the newly launched Cepacol® Effervescent4 - a fantastically fizzy raspberry-flavoured effervescent provides double-duty relief for the whole family (6+). Cepacol® effervescent4 helps to relief symptoms of cold and flu such as sore throat, nasal congestion, sneezing and cough, opening of the airways, thinning of mucus and providing relief of coughs associated with inflammation of the airways. It also supports the immune function within the upper respiratory tract and provides antioxidant support for the maintenance of good health. In addition to Cepacol®'s newly launched raspberry-flavoured effervescent4, the Cepacol® range includes cough and cold syrup13, Plus cough and cold syrup14 specifically designed for nighttime relief, a throat spray15 and throat gargle16, Medsip, a hot medicated drink1&2 in either ginger or honey lemon flavours, and throat lozenges1 in four flavours - regular, black current, honey & lemon and menthol. So, when you're dealing with nasal congestion and a sore throat, remember, there's a Cepacol® for that! Embrace the winter warrior within, with Cepacol® As we brace ourselves for the winter months, it's wise to be prepared. Adcock Ingram's Winter Warriors 2025 Campaign offers a range of products aimed at combating common cold and flu symptoms. With brands like Cepacol®, Panado®, Compral®, ProbiFlora™, Gummy® Vites and ViralGuard™, you can arm yourself and your loved ones against the seasonal sniffles. Cepacol®'s range of products is now available at leading pharmacies and retailers nationwide. For more information and references, visit and join the conversation on Facebook.
The Citizen
19 hours ago
- The Citizen
The link between congestion and sore throats
Embrace the Winter Warrior within with Cepacol® Ever wondered why a scratchy throat often tags along with a stuffy nose? Why getting sniffly causes a sore throat Our noses aren't just for sniffing out delicious scents or helping us savour our favourite foods; they're also our body's frontline defenders5a against countless microscopic invaders. Our noses naturally produce mucus to filter out unwelcomed guests like dust, allergens and germs.5b Mucus is usually clear and mostly made up of water although it also contains special proteins, sugars and molecules that help the body control harmful germs.5c Usually, we don't notice the mucus but when you're congested, your body goes into overdrive, producing more mucus than necessary.5c Typically, the mucus created when you're ill is also thicker and stickier than usual.5d This mucus can gather and drip down the back of the sinuses and into your throat – a process called post-nasal drip.6a Over time, this constant drip can cause a sore or scratchy throat, cough and sneezing.6b Common causes of nasal congestion and sore throats Several usual suspects can lead to nasal congestion and subsequent throat irritation: Common Cold: The common cold is a viral infection that inflames the lining of your nose and throat. While over 200 different viruses can cause a cold, they are more often than not caused by rhinoviruses.7a After a cold virus enters your body, symptoms typically begin within two to three days and can last several days to several weeks.7b Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is an allergic reaction that causes sneezing, congestion, itchy nose and watery eyes.8a Triggers include pollen, pet dander and mould.8b Despite its name, hay doesn't cause hay fever and most people don't experience a fever.8c It's important to note that allergic rhinitis isn't the same as infectious rhinitis and it isn't contagious.8d Sinusitis: Sinusitis, commonly known as a sinus infection, occurs when the sinuses' empty spaces around your nasal passages become inflamed, often due to infections and allergies.9a This inflammation can lead to symptoms such as postnasal drip, hoarse voice, swallowing more than usual, fever, headache, cough, nasal congestion, facial pain and fatigue.9b While sinus infections themselves aren't contagious, the viruses or bacteria that cause them can spread from person to person.9c Structural issues: Sometimes, the structure of your nasal passages can contribute to frequent congestion, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps. A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall (nasal septum) between your nasal passages is displaced to one side, making one nasal passage smaller than the other. This can lead to difficulty breathing through the nose.10a Other symptoms can include nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections and snoring or noisy breathing during sleep.10b Nasal polyps, on the other hand, are soft, painless, noncancerous growths that develop on the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses. They often resemble teardrops or small grapes and can vary in size. 10c While small nasal polyps might not cause noticeable symptoms, larger ones can obstruct airflow, leading to postnatal drip, breathing difficulties, facial pain and pressure, loss of smell and frequent infections.10d Environmental factors: Sometimes, your environment can cause a stuffy, drippy nose. Irritants in the air, such as tobacco smoke, perfume, dust and car exhausts, can irritate the inside of your nose and cause congestion.11 How to manage symptoms Addressing the root causes of nasal congestion is key to preventing those bothersome sore throats. Here are some home remedies you can try: Use a humidifier: Maintaining indoor humidity levels keeps your mucous membranes moist and helps soothe irritated nasal tissues, lessens sinus inflammation and thins mucus (which helps it drain).12a Nasal irrigation: Using a neti pot or similar device can help loosen thick mucus, promote sinus drainage and remove irritants. Using a nasal spray bottle to deliver a fine mist of saline into your nose can help soothe and moisturise dry nasal passages.12b Warm compress: Applying a warm compress over your nose and forehead can help alleviate a headache or sinus pain caused by congestion. The heat works to reduce nasal inflammation and pressure, providing relief from discomfort.12c Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids can help thin the mucus in your nasal passages, making it easier for congested sinuses to drain.12d Elevate your head: Nasal congestion is often worse at night. That's because when you sleep flat, gravity causes mucus to pool or back up rather than drain.12e To support healthy sinus drainage, place an additional pillow or two under your head so that gravity works for you, not against you.12f You could also try wearing a nasal breathing strip, which elevates the sides of the nose and may help expand nasal passages and improve nighttime breathing.12g Beat the scratch with Cepacol® new raspberry-flavoured effervescent Cepacol® understands the discomfort that nasal congestion and sore throats can bring to your daily life and offers a wide range of formats and products tailored for targeted relief, including the newly launched Cepacol® Effervescent4 – a fantastically fizzy raspberry-flavoured effervescent provides double-duty relief for the whole family (6+). Cepacol® Effervescent4 helps to relief symptoms of cold and flu such as sore throat, nasal congestion, sneezing and cough, opening of the airways, thinning of mucus and providing relief of coughs associated with inflammation of the airways. It also supports the immune function within the upper respiratory tract and provides antioxidant support for the maintenance of good health. In addition to Cepacol®'s newly launched raspberry-flavoured effervescent4, the Cepacol® range includes cough and cold syrup13, Plus cough and cold syrup14 specifically designed for nighttime relief, a throat spray15 and throat gargle16, Medsip, a hot medicated drink1&2 in either ginger or honey lemon flavours, and throat lozenges1 in four flavours – regular, black current, honey & lemon and menthol. So, when you're dealing with nasal congestion and a sore throat, remember, there's a Cepacol® for that! Embrace the winter warrior within, with Cepacol® As we brace ourselves for the winter months, it's wise to be prepared. Adcock Ingram's Winter Warriors 2025 Campaign offers a range of products aimed at combating common cold and flu symptoms. With brands like Cepacol®, Panado®, Compral®, ProbiFlora™, Gummy® Vites and ViralGuard™, you can arm yourself and your loved ones against the seasonal sniffles. Cepacol®'s range of products is now available at leading pharmacies and retailers nationwide. For more information and references, visit and join the conversation on Facebook.
