Is Pharyngitis Contagious?

Pharyngitis, commonly known as sore throat, is the inflammation of the pharynx. It can be caused due to bacteria or viruses or can even be a symptom of some respiratory disease.

The bacteria known as streptococcus is the most common cause of pharyngitis; whereas viruses causing common cold, influenza, mononucleosis, and other upper respiratory infections, etc., can also lead to this condition. Pharyngitis can be found in people of any age group; but, children are found to be mostly affected by this condition.

Pharyngitis can be of two types: acute and chronic. It is also essential to note here that pharyngitis and laryngitis are two different conditions which should not be used interchangeably. Although the symptoms of both these conditions are similar, these two are two separate medical conditions.

As pharyngitis is the inflammation of the pharynx or the throat, reddening and swelling in the throat are the common symptoms of this condition. This often leads to difficulty in speaking and swallowing food.

Apart from these, several other symptoms like earache, low-grade fever, enlargement of your tonsils, enlarged and tender lymph nodes in your neck, blisters in throat, etc., are also observed. The person will also experience a general feeling of being unwell and may experience weakness and fatigue.

As these symptoms are easier to identify, it is easier to diagnose this condition.

Pharyngitis is contagious. One should note that pharyngitis caused due to bacteria as well as viruses is contagious, i.e., can be easily transmitted from one person to the other. When a healthy person comes in contact with the mucus, nasal discharge, saliva of the infected person, he too contracts the infection.

This can happen when the person suffering from pharyngitis sneezes, coughs near a healthy person or during deep kissing. It can also spread by sharing of personal items like towels, brushes, handkerchiefs between two people.

Laryngitis caused due to viral or bacterial infection is contagious and can be spread from one person to the other. However, if it is caused due to any other reason, like straining the vocal cords while singing or shouting for a long time; it is not contagious.

Therefore, one should get the cause of the disease diagnosed immediately or stay away from others in order to prevent the spread of infection.

Pharyngitis or strep throat can be contagious as long as the symptoms appear. Therefore, it is essential to go for quick treatment in order to get rid of the condition and reduce the period of contagion. One should consult the doctor immediately if any of the above mentioned symptoms are observed.

Bacterial infection can be treated with the help of antibiotics whereas one needs to take bed rest in order to get rid of viral infection from the body. There are also medications and home remedies for strep throat that help in getting quick relief. One should also note that after taking antibiotics, pharyngitis can remain contagious for 24 hours.

Lastly, as a concluding note, one should remember that pharyngitis is highly contagious, and hence, if one contracts it, he/she should avoid close contact with other family members, specially babies and children. With proper treatment, the condition can subside within a couple of days.