it can be. inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis) can be part of an upper respiratory tract infection. most of these are due to infection by a virus—in other words a cold. the hoarse raspy voice of laryngitis is often accompanied by a runny nose cough and a sore throat. the hoarseness can occur before during or after the other symptoms which may be mild. hand washing alcohol-based hand rubs and covering the mouth and nose during sneezing and coughing are the best ways to prevent the spread of cold viruses. vocal strain is the other major cause of laryngitis. hoarseness lasting longer than three weeks is probably not due to a cold or vocal strain. there are some serious causes of prolonged laryngitis so call your doctor if your symptoms don’t go away.
is laryngitis contagious?