Contagious illnesses can spread quickly, especially those that affect breathing and the lungs. They’re something we all need to keep an eye out for because they can pass from one person to another so easily—just through a cough, a sneeze, or even talking. That’s why simple steps like washing your hands often, covering your mouth when you cough, and staying home if you feel sick are so important. Did you know that respiratory infections cause many people to miss work or school every year?
One condition that often comes up is laryngitis. You might think of it as just losing your voice or having a scratchy throat, but can it actually spread to others?
What is Laryngitis?
Laryngitis happens when your voice box, also called the larynx, becomes irritated or swollen. Your vocal cords live inside the larynx, and when they’re inflamed, it can make your voice sound rough, hoarse, or even disappear completely.
There are several reasons why someone might get laryngitis. It’s often caused by a cold, the flu, or another virus. Other times, it can happen from shouting or talking too much, smoking, or being around things like dust, fumes, or chemicals that irritate your throat.
Symptoms of Laryngitis
- Hoarse or raspy voice
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Dry throat
- Persistent dry cough
- Trouble speaking
Is Laryngitis Contagious?
Whether laryngitis is contagious depends on what caused it. If it comes from an infection like a virus or bacteria, it can spread to others through coughing or sneezing. But if it’s caused by something like smoking, talking too much, or other non-infectious reasons, it’s not contagious.
Laryngitis and COVID-19
Can laryngitis and COVID-19 be related? While laryngitis isn’t a common symptom of COVID-19, the virus can sometimes trigger it indirectly. For example, persistent coughing or throat irritation from COVID-19 might cause the voice box to become inflamed, leading to laryngitis as a side effect.
Comparing Symptoms
Laryngitis and COVID-19 may share a few overlapping symptoms, but they are quite different. Laryngitis mainly affects your throat and voice. If you have it, you might notice hoarseness, loss of voice, a scratchy throat, and sometimes a dry cough. It’s more about the discomfort in speaking or a raspy voice.
COVID-19, however, is a widespread illness that impacts much more than your throat. People with COVID-19 often have symptoms like fever, extreme tiredness, dry cough, or trouble breathing. You might also lose your sense of taste or smell, feel body aches, or have chills. These signs show that COVID-19 affects the whole body, not just one part like laryngitis does.
If you’re feeling unsure about your symptoms—for example, if you’ve got a sore throat along with a fever or shortness of breath—it’s a good idea to get tested or talk to a doctor.
How Contagious is Laryngitis with COVID-19?
When laryngitis is caused by COVID-19, it can be contagious because COVID-19 itself spreads very easily. Whenever someone with the virus talks, coughs, or sneezes, tiny droplets filled with the virus can float in the air or land on surfaces. These droplets can infect someone nearby if they breathe them in or touch a contaminated surface and then touch their mouth, nose, or eyes. This means it’s not the laryngitis that spreads but the COVID-19 virus causing it. That’s why it’s important to stay isolated if you have symptoms or test positive.
Treatments for COVID-19 Laryngitis
Dealing with COVID-related laryngitis means you have to care for your throat while also managing COVID symptoms. Here’s how you can feel better:
1. Rest Your Voice
Talking too much can strain your inflamed vocal cords, making things worse. Give your voice a break—try to speak less and avoid whispering, which can also be hard on the throat.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated keeps your throat from feeling dry and scratchy. Warm drinks like tea with honey can feel soothing, but avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol, as they can make you dehydrated.
3. Use Throat Lozenges
Throat lozenges can help ease soreness quickly. Look for ones with soothing ingredients like menthol or honey to numb and calm the irritation.
4. Manage Your Symptoms
If you have a fever or aches, over-the-counter medicines like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) can help. If a doctor prescribes antivirals, like Paxlovid, follow their instructions to recover faster.
5. Try a Humidifier
Dry air can irritate your throat even more. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, making it easier to breathe and relieving throat discomfort. If you don’t have a humidifier, sitting in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes can help too.
6. Stay Isolated and Wear a Mask
Since COVID-19 spreads so easily, it’s important to stay home and away from others as you recover. If you must be near others, wear a good-quality mask to prevent spreading the virus. Don’t forget to disinfect surfaces you touch often.
7. Rest and Eat Well
Your body needs energy to fight off the virus. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and eating healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and proteins to support your immune system.
Knowing When to Get Help for Laryngitis
Sometimes, it’s hard to know when you should see a doctor. But if you’re having trouble breathing, feel pain in your chest, or can’t get a high fever to go away, it’s a sign that you need medical help. These symptoms could mean something more serious is happening, so don’t wait—getting help early can make a huge difference.
While you recover, take care of yourself by resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and following your doctor’s instructions. These simple steps can really help your body heal and keep things from getting worse.
The good news? Most people recover well, even if their laryngitis is related to COVID-19. With the right care and support, you have every reason to feel hopeful. And remember, doctors are there to guide you and make sure you’re on the path to feeling better. Focus on taking it one day at a time—you’ve got this!