Sore Throat

Is Pharyngitis Contagious?

Can You Catch Pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis is an infection or inflammation of the pharynx, and it can be caused by either viruses or bacteria. Yes, contagious pharyngitis can spread from one person to another, especially through saliva, mucus, and nasal discharge. It can also spread through close contact or by touching contaminated items such as towels, toothbrushes, or hairbrushes.

Sore throat from allergies, toxins, trauma, or cancer is not contagious. This article focuses on the infectious forms of pharyngitis, which are the most common.

What Causes Pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis is the medical term for a sore throat. It causes throat pain, irritation, scratchiness, and sometimes painful swallowing. Most cases are caused by viruses, while a smaller number are caused by bacteria, most often group A streptococci, which cause strep throat.

Some doctors separate pharyngitis from laryngitis and tonsillitis, while others group them together because these conditions often overlap. Pharyngitis is commonly described as:

• Non-exudative: usually viral and the most common type.

• Exudative: produces pus or fluid and often suggests a bacterial cause.

• Ulcerative: involves small ulcers or a grayish membrane and is less common but may be a medical emergency.

How to Tell if It’s Viral or Bacterial

Pharyngitis can be caused by either viruses or bacteria, and the cause affects how contagious it is and how it should be treated. Common signs include a red, swollen throat, fever, difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes, enlarged tonsils, and fatigue.

A health care provider may use a rapid strep test, throat culture, mono test, or clinical criteria such as the Centor criteria to help determine the cause.

Should You Stay Home?

Yes. If you have symptoms of pharyngitis, it is best to stay home and avoid close contact with others until you have been evaluated and treated. This helps reduce the chance of spreading the infection, especially in the early stages.

How Long It Stays Contagious

Viral pharyngitis is usually contagious while symptoms are present and may spread for 1 to 2 days before symptoms begin and for 5 to 7 days after they resolve. Some viral infections, such as mononucleosis, can remain contagious for weeks.

Bacterial pharyngitis, including strep throat, is contagious while symptoms are present, but effective antibiotics usually reduce contagiousness after about 24 hours.

What Happens If It’s Untreated?

Untreated pharyngitis can lead to complications such as rheumatic fever, peritonsillar abscess, spread of infection, or other serious problems. You should seek medical care if your sore throat lasts more than a week, comes with a rash, or is associated with swollen tender lymph nodes or a high fever.

Get urgent care right away if you develop drooling, shortness of breath, or trouble swallowing food or liquids.

Author

Paddy Kalish OD, JD and B.Arch Author and Blogger