Why colds and flu cause sore throats but RSV might not

When you catch a cold or the flu, a sore throat is often a symptom, making swallowing and talking uncomfortable. With Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), symptoms in adults and older, healthy children can typically mimic the common cold.¹

Cepacol, known for its sore throat lozenges, hot medication, and now new raspberry-flavoured effervescent, answers the question: why do colds and flu commonly lead to sore throats, whereas RSV might not?

How colds and flu differ from RSV

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, and the common cold are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. The flu is caused strictly by influenza viruses, while the common cold can be triggered by a variety of viruses, including rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, and certain coronaviruses.

When you’re down with the flu, a cold, or another infection, your body springs into action to fight off the invaders. This immune response involves releasing white blood cells to combat the infection, leading to inflammation. It’s this inflammation that often leaves your muscles feeling achy and sore.

Alongside body aches, you may also experience symptoms like fever, weakness, fatigue, shivering, or changes in body temperature, as well as other cold and flu-like symptoms.

RSV, on the other hand, tends to behave differently. While it can cause upper respiratory symptoms like a congested or runny nose, dry cough, low-grade fever, sneezing, headache and sore throat, RSV may move deeper into the respiratory system, affecting the lower parts like the lungs. This can lead to conditions such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

Why does this matter?

Understanding the differences between colds, flu, and RSV can help in identifying the illness you’re dealing with, the treatment needed, and how long your recovery will likely be.  Always consult your health care practitioner to determine your illness and treatment options.

Colds: The common cold is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus, usually with milder symptoms than flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose, which generally doesn’t result in serious health problems.

Flu: Influenza (flu) is also a contagious respiratory illness, but is caused by a different virus. Flu is caused by influenza viruses only, and in general, flu is worse than the common cold; symptoms are typically more intense and begin more abruptly.  The signs and symptoms of flu can include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue (tiredness).

RSV: Symptoms most commonly appear approximately four to six days after exposure to the virus, with most people usually recovering from RSV within one to two weeks. Self-care measures are usually all that’s needed to relieve any discomfort. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults aged 60 and older get an RSV vaccine.

Protecting yourself and others

Regardless of the specific virus, practising good hygiene can help prevent the spread of these infections. Practising good hygiene is a great start. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and use alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the crook of your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Regularly disinfect commonly touched surfaces and objects like doorknobs and light switches. Staying home when you’re sick not only helps you recover but also prevents spreading illness to others.

Beat the scratch with Cepacol new raspberry-flavoured effervescent

Don’t let a sore throat slow you down. Cepacol understands that when discomfort hits, you need relief to keep up with your busy life. That’s why we’ve developed a range of products designed to soothe your throat and get you back to feeling your best, including our latest innovation: the Cepacol Effervescent – a fantastically fizzy, raspberry-flavoured effervescent provides double-duty relief for the whole family (6+).

Cepacol® Effervescent⁵ 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 launchedraspberry-flavoured effervescent⁵, the Cepacol® range includes cough and cold syrup⁹, Plus cough and cold syrup¹⁰ specifically designed for nighttime relief, a throat spray¹¹ and throat gargle¹², Medsip, a hot medicated drink^3&4 in either ginger or honey lemon flavours, and antibacterial throat lozenges² 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!

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 www.cepacol.co.za and join the conversation on Facebook.