Can You Prevent a Sore Throat Before It Starts?

We've all heard the saying, prevention is better than cure but is it possible to prevent a sore throat before it starts? Cepacol®, known for its sore throat lozenges¹, hot medication^2&3, and now new raspberry-flavoured effervescent⁴, offers these tips on how you can keep your throat healthy during these colder months.

Wash Your Hands

Sometimes, the simplest actions are the most effective. Regular handwashing is a prime example. It's a straightforward habit that can significantly reduce the spread of illnesses like colds and flu.Washing your hands with soap and water eliminate germs in most situations.^5a If soap and water aren't available, using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol is a good alternative.^5b You can check the alcohol content by looking at the product label.

Steer Clear of the Sick

We all want to be there for our loved ones when they're feeling under the weather, but sometimes the best way to show you care is by encouraging them to stay at home. Viruses such as influenza can spread through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks, so keeping a respectful distance between you and someone sick can reduce your risk and the risk to others.⁶

Be Cautious With Antibiotics

When your throat starts feeling scratchy, it might be natural to think that antibiotics are the go-to solution to prevent things from getting worse. However, most sore throats are caused by viruses, and antibiotics aren't effective against them.^7a In fact, using antibiotics when they're not needed can contribute to antibiotic resistance, making it harder to treat infections in the future.^7b It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your symptoms.

Beat The Scratch With Cepacol® New Raspberry-Flavoured Effervescent⁴ 

Cepacol® understands that while taking steps to prevent a sore throat is important, sometimes sore throats can still catch you off guard. Cepacol®’s wide range of formats and products are tailored for targeted relief, including the newly launched Cepacol® Effervescent – a fizzyraspberry-flavoured effervescent that can help provide double-duty relief for the 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, theCepacol®range includescough and cold syrup⁸, Plus cough and cold syrup⁹specifically designed for nighttime relief, a throat spray¹⁰ andthroat gargle¹¹, Medsip, a hot medicated drink^2&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 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, visit www.cepacol.co.za and join the conversation on Facebook.

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References:

1. CEPACOL® Throat Lozenges approved professional information, October 2014.
2. CEPACOL® Medsip Honey Lemon (Powder) approved package insert, March 1993.
3. CEPACOL® Medsip Ginger Approved Professional Information, June 2015.
4. CEPACOL® Effervescent approved professional information, August 2024. 
5. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention About Handwashing. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/index.html. Last accessed February 2025.04.09Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. How Flu Spreads. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/spread/index.html. Last accessed February 2025.
6. The Guardian. Seven ways to beat a sore throat this winter. Available from:https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/jan/28/seven-ways-beat-sore-throat-winter-hot-drinks-ice-lollies-gargle-salt-water-antibiotics.Last accessed February 2025.
7. CEPACOL® Cough and Cold Syrup approved professional information, February 2022. 
8. CEPACOL® Plus Cough and Cold Syrup approved professional information, February 2022. 
9. CEPACOL® Throat Spray approved professional information, February 2022. 
10. CEPACOL® Antibacterial Throat Gargle (solution) approved professional information, August 2005.

24.02.2025.1000001361. February 2025

S0 Cepacol® Throat Lozenges Menthol. Each lozenge contains Cetylpyridinium chloride 1,47 mg; Benzyl alcohol 6,5 mg. Reg. No. 40/16.4/0297. (PI 10/2014).
S0 Cepacol® Throat Lozenges Regular. Each lozenge contains Cetylpyridinium chloride 1,47 mg; Benzyl alcohol 6,5 mg. Ref. No. H 1388 (Act 101 of 1965). (PI 10/2014).
S0 Cepacol® Throat Lozenges Blackcurrant Flavour. Each lozenge contains Cetylpyridinium chloride 1,47 mg; Benzyl alcohol 6,5 mg. Reg. No. 33/16.4/0492. (PI 10/2014)
S0 Cepacol® Throat Lozenges Honey and Lemon Flavour. Each lozenge contains Cetylpyridinium chloride 1,47 mg; Benzyl alcohol 6,5 mg. Reg. No. 33/16.4/0505. (PI 10/2014).
S0 Cepacol® Antibacterial Throat Gargle. Each 100 ml solution contains Cetylpyridinium chloride 50 mg; Alcohol 15,8 % v/v. Ref. No. H 1387 (Act 101 of 1965). (PI 08/2005).
S0 Cepacol® Medsip Ginger. Each 5 g sachet contains Paracetamol 800 mg; Caffeine 50 mg; Ascorbic acid 10 mg. Reg. No. Y/5.8/10. (PI 06/2015).
S0 Cepacol® Medsip Honey Lemon. Each 5 g sachet contains Paracetamol 800 mg; Caffeine 50 mg; Ascorbic acid 10 mg. Reg. No. 27/5.8/0508. (PI 03/1993).

For full prescribing information refer to the Professional Information approved by SAHPRA. Adcock Ingram Limited. Co. Reg. No. 1949/034385/06. Private Bag X69, Bryanston, 2021, South Africa. Customer Care: 0860 ADCOCK/232625. www.adcock.com.

S0 Cepacol® Throat Spray. Each 1 ml contains Pelargonium sidoides (African Geranium) 140 mg; Hedera helix (Ivy) 40 mg; Menthol crystals 0,09 mg; Eucalyptus globules (Eucalyptus oil 2) 0,45 mg; Syzygium aromaticum (Clove oil) 0,3 mg. Category D: Complementary Medicine Discipline Specific: 33.7 Combination Medicine. (PI 02/2022).
S0 Cepacol® Plus Cough and Cold Syrup. Each 5 ml contains Hedera helix (Ivy) 5 mg; Pelargonium sidoides (African Geranium) 150 mg; Valerianae officinalis L. (Valerian) 12mg. CategoryD: Complementary Medicine Discipline Specific: D33.6 WesternHerbal Medicine. (PI02/2022).
S0 Cepacol® Cough and Cold Syrup. Each 5 ml contains Hedera helix (Ivy) 5 mg; Pelargonium sidoides DC (African Geranium) 150 mg. Category D: Complementary Medicine Discipline Specific: D33.6 Western Herbal Medicine. (PI 02/2022).
S0 Cepacol® Effervescent. Each tablet contains Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) 500 mg, Zinc citrate 3-hydrate 39,2 mg providing 12,4 mg elemental zinc, Hedera helix 35 mg, Pelargonium sidiodes 12,5 mg, Vitamin A acetate (Vitamin A) 379 µg RAE, Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) 250 IU, Category D: Complementary Medicine. Discipline Specific: D33.7 Combination Product.

This unregistered medicine has not been evaluated by the SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use. Adcock Ingram Limited. Co. Reg. No. 1949/034385/06. Private Bag X69, Bryanston, 2021, South Africa. Customer Care: 0860 ADCOCK/232625. www.adcock.com.