Latest news with #Cepacol®
IOL News
01-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Why colds and flu cause sore throats but RSV might not
Image: Supplied Image: Supplied 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 lozenges2, hot medication3&4, and now new raspberry-flavoured effervescent5, 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.6 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.6 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.7a Alongside body aches, you might also experience symptoms like fever, weakness, fatigue, shivering, or changes in body temperature, as well as other cold and flu-like symptoms.7b 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,1a RSV may move deeper into the respiratory system, affecting the lower parts like the lungs.1b This can lead to conditions such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.1c Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Cepacol® offers an array of relief options for sore throats and cold symptoms, including the innovative raspberry-flavoured effervescent. Image: Supplied Image: Supplied 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 and generally don't result in serious health problems.6 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, and 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).6 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.1 Protecting yourself and others Regardless of the specific virus, practicing good hygiene can help prevent the spread of these infections. Practicing good hygiene is a great start. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds8a and use alcohol-based hand sanitisers.8b Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the crook of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.8c Regularly disinfect commonly touched surfaces and objects9d like doorknobs and light switches. Staying home when you're sick8e not only helps you recover but also prevents spreading illness to others. Beat the scratch with Cepacol® new raspberry-flavoured effervescent5 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+). The Cepacol® range of products are designed for effective treatment while supporting overall respiratory health, Image: Supplied Image: Supplied 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 launched raspberry-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 drink3&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!
The South African
02-06-2025
- Health
- The South African
The Link Between Congestion and Sore Throats
Ever wondered why a scratchy throat often tags along with a stuffy nose? Cepacol®, known for its sore throat lozenges1, hot medication2&3, and now new raspberry-flavoured effervescent4, explores the link between nasal congestion and throat discomfort, and ways to find at-home relief. Our noses aren't just for sniffing out delicious scents or helping us savour our favourite foods; they're also our body's frontline defenders5a against countless microscopic invaders. Our noses naturally produce mucus to filter out unwelcome guests like dust, allergens and germs.5b Mucus is usually clear and mostly made up of water, although it also contains special proteins, sugars, and molecules that help the body control harmful germs.5c Usually, we don't notice the mucus, but when you're congested, your body goes into overdrive, producing more mucus than necessary.5c Typically, the mucus created when you're ill is also thicker and stickier than usual.5d This mucus can gather and drip down the back of the sinuses and into your throat – a process called post-nasal drip.6a Over time, this constant drip can cause a sore or scratchy throat, cough, and sneezing.6b Several usual suspects can lead to nasal congestion and subsequent throat irritation: Common Cold: The common cold is a viral infection that inflames the lining of your nose and throat. While over 200 different viruses can cause a cold, they are more often than not caused by rhinoviruses.7a After a cold virus enters your body, symptoms typically begin within two to three days and can last several days to several weeks.7b Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is an allergic reaction that causes sneezing, congestion, an itchy nose, and watery eyes.8a Triggers include pollen, pet dander, and mould.8b Despite its name, hay doesn't cause hay fever, and most people don't experience a fever.8c It's important to note that allergic rhinitis isn't the same as infectious rhinitis, and it isn't contagious.8d Sinusitis: Sinusitis, commonly known as a sinus infection, occurs when the sinuses empty spaces around your nasal passages, become inflamed, often due to infections and allergies.9a This inflammation can lead to symptoms such as postnasal drip, hoarse voice, swallowing more than usual, fever, headache, cough, nasal congestion, facial pain, and fatigue.9b While sinus infections themselves aren't contagious, the viruses or bacteria that cause them can spread from person to person.9c Structural Issues: Sometimes, the structure of your nasal passages can contribute to frequent congestion, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps. A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall (nasal septum) between your nasal passages is displaced to one side, making one nasal passage smaller than the other. This can lead to difficulty breathing through the nose.10a Other symptoms can include nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections, and snoring or noisy breathing during sleep.10b Nasal polyps, on the other hand, are soft, painless, noncancerous growths that develop on the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses. They often resemble teardrops or small grapes and can vary in size. 10c While small nasal polyps might not cause noticeable symptoms, larger ones can obstruct airflow, leading to postnatal drip, breathing difficulties, facial pain and pressure, loss of smell, and frequent infections.10d Environmental Factors: Sometimes, your environment can cause a stuffy, drippy nose. Irritants in the air, such as tobacco smoke, perfume, dust and car exhaust, can irritate the inside of your nose and cause congestion.11 Addressing the root causes of nasal congestion is key to preventing those bothersome sore throats. Here are some home remedies you can try: Use a Humidifier: Maintaining indoor humidity levels keeps your mucous membranes moist and helps soothe irritated nasal tissues, lessens sinus inflammation, and thins mucus (which helps it drain).12a Nasal Irrigation: Using a neti pot or similar device can help loosen thick mucus, promote sinus drainage and remove irritants. Using a nasal spray bottle to deliver a fine mist of saline into your nose can help soothe and moisturise dry nasal passages.12b Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress over your nose and forehead can help alleviate a headache or sinus pain caused by congestion. The heat works to reduce nasal inflammation and pressure, providing relief from discomfort.12c Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids can help thin the mucus in your nasal passages, making it easier for congested sinuses to drain.12d Elevate Your Head: Nasal congestion is often worse at night. That's because when you sleep flat, gravity causes mucus to pool or back up rather than drain.12e To support healthy sinus drainage, place an additional pillow or two under your head so that gravity works for you, not against you.12f You could also try wearing a nasal breathing strip, which elevates the sides of the nose and may help expand nasal passages and improve nighttime breathing.12g Cepacol® understands the discomfort that nasal congestion and sore throats can bring to your daily life and offers a wide range of formats and products tailored for targeted relief, including the newly launched Cepacol® Effervescent4 – a fantastically fizzy raspberry-flavoured effervescent provides double-duty relief for the whole 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, the Cepacol® range includes cough and cold syrup13, Plus cough and cold syrup14 specifically designed for nighttime relief, a throat spray15 and throat gargle16, Medsip, a hot medicated drink1&2 in either ginger or honey lemon flavours, and throat lozenges1 in four flavours – regular, black current, honey & lemon and menthol. So, when you're dealing with nasal congestion and a sore throat, remember, there's a Cepacol® for that! 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 Cepacol and join the conversation on Facebook. Cepacol® known for its sore throat lozenges1, hot medication2&3, and now new raspberry-flavoured effervescent4, is turning up the volume! Our voices are just as important as the words we speak. When a scratchy throat or cough sneaks in, it can irritate the vocal cords, changing the sound of our voice and leaving us with a croak, rasp, or even a whisper.5 Volkano Mini Mamba Bluetooth Speaker and Volkano Noise Cancelling Bluetooth headphones, valued at R1 200. Image: Supplied Cepacol® is here to ensure your voice is heard – and we're giving away a Volkano Mini Mamba Bluetooth Speaker and Volkano Noise Cancelling Bluetooth headphones, valued at R1 200. The Volkano Mini Mamba Bluetooth Speaker is perfect for enjoying your favourite tunes on the go, delivering big sound in a compact package. Meanwhile, the Volkano Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones let you enjoy crystal-clear audio without any background noise, silencing distractions, including the hacking sound of pesky seasonal coughs. So, whether you're tackling inflammation or infection of the voice box or simply need a musical boost to get through the season, remember, #TheresACepacolForThat! Cepacol®'s range of products – Raspberry-Flavoured Effervescent,4 Cough & Cold Syrup,7 Plus Cough & Cold Syrup,8 Throat Spray,9 Throat Gargle,10 Medsip,2&3 and Throat Lozenges1 – are available from leading pharmacies and retailers nationwide. For more information, visit and join the conversation on Facebook and @CepacolSA. #SupaCepacol® *T's & C's apply
IOL News
02-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
The link between congestion and sore throats
Navigate nasal congestion and sore throats—Cepacol has you covered, Image: Supplied Image: Supplied Ever wondered why a scratchy throat often tags along with a stuffy nose? Cepacol®, known for its sore throat lozenges1, hot medication2&3, and now new raspberry-flavoured effervescent4, explores the link between nasal congestion and throat discomfort, and ways to find at-home relief. Why getting sniffly causes a sore throat Our noses aren't just for sniffing out delicious scents or helping us savour our favourite foods; they're also our body's frontline defenders5a against countless microscopic invaders. Our noses naturally produce mucus to filter out unwelcomed guests like dust, allergens and germs.5b Mucus is usually clear and mostly made up of water although it also contains special proteins, sugars, and molecules that help the body control harmful germs.5c Usually, we don't notice the mucus but when you're congested, your body goes into overdrive, producing more mucus than necessary.5c Typically, the mucus created when you're ill is also thicker and stickier than usual.5d This mucus can gather and drip down the back of the sinuses and into your throat – a process called post-nasal drip.6a Over time, this constant drip can cause a sore or scratchy throat, cough, and sneezing.6b Common causes of nasal congestion and sore throats Several usual suspects can lead to nasal congestion and subsequent throat irritation: Common cold: The common cold is a viral infection that inflames the lining of your nose and throat. While over 200 different viruses can cause a cold, they are more often than not caused by rhinoviruses.7a After a cold virus enters your body, symptoms typically begin within two to three days and can last several days to several weeks.7b Allergic rhinitis (hay fever): Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is an allergic reaction that causes sneezing, congestion, itchy nose, and watery eyes.8a Triggers include pollen, pet dander, and mould.8b Despite its name, hay doesn't cause hay fever, and most people don't experience a fever.8c It's important to note that allergic rhinitis isn't the same as infectious rhinitis, and it isn't contagious.8d Sinusitis: Sinusitis, commonly known as a sinus infection, occurs when the sinuses empty spaces around your nasal passages become inflamed, often due to infections and allergies.9a This inflammation can lead to symptoms such as postnasal drip, hoarse voice, swallowing more than usual, fever, headache, cough, nasal congestion, facial pain, and fatigue.9b While sinus infections themselves aren't contagious, the viruses or bacteria that cause them can spread from person to person.9c Structural issues: Sometimes, the structure of your nasal passages can contribute to frequent congestion, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps. The Cepacol® range of products are designed for effective treatment while supporting overall respiratory health, Image: Supplied A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall (nasal septum) between your nasal passages is displaced to one side, making one nasal passage smaller than the other. This can lead to difficulty breathing through the nose.10a Other symptoms can include nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections, and snoring or noisy breathing during sleep.10b Nasal polyps, on the other hand, are soft, painless, noncancerous growths that develop on the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses. They often resemble teardrops or small grapes and can vary in size. 10c While small nasal polyps might not cause noticeable symptoms, larger ones can obstruct airflow, leading to postnatal drip, breathing difficulties, facial pain and pressure, loss of smell, and frequent infections.10d Environmental factors: Sometimes, your environment can cause a stuffy, drippy nose. Irritants in the air, such as tobacco smoke, perfume, dust and car exhaust, can irate the inside of your nose and cause congestion.11 How to manage symptoms Addressing the root causes of nasal congestion is key to preventing those bothersome sore throats. Here are some home remedies you can try: Use a humidifier: Maintaining indoor humidity levels keeps your mucous membranes moist and helps soothe irritated nasal tissues, lessens sinus inflammation, and thins mucus (which helps it drain).12a Nasal irrigation: Using a neti pot or similar device can help loosen thick mucus, promote sinus drainage and remove irritants. Using a nasal spray bottle to deliver a fine mist of saline into your nose can help soothe and moisturise dry nasal passages.12b Warm compress: Applying a warm compress over your nose and forehead can help alleviate headache or sinus pain caused by congestion. The heat works to reduce nasal inflammation and pressure, providing relief from discomfort.12c Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids can help thin the mucus in your nasal passages, making it easier for congested sinuses to drain.12d Elevate your head: Nasal congestion is often worse at night. That's because when you sleep flat, gravity causes mucus to pool or back up rather than drain.12e To support healthy sinus drainage, place an additional pillow or two under your head so that gravity works for you, not against you.12f You could also try wearing a nasal breathing strip, which elevates the sides of the nose and may help expand nasal passages and improve nighttime breathing.12g Cepacol® offers an array of relief options for sore throats and cold symptoms, including the innovative raspberry-flavoured effervescent Image: Supplied Beat the scratch with Cepacol® new raspberry-flavoured effervescent Cepacol® understands the discomfort that nasal congestion and sore throats can bring to your daily life and offers a wide range of formats and products tailored for targeted relief, including the newly launched Cepacol® Effervescent4 - a fantastically fizzy raspberry-flavoured effervescent provides double-duty relief for the whole family (6+). Cepacol® effervescent4 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 launched raspberry-flavoured effervescent4, the Cepacol® range includes cough and cold syrup13, Plus cough and cold syrup14 specifically designed for nighttime relief, a throat spray15 and throat gargle16, Medsip, a hot medicated drink1&2 in either ginger or honey lemon flavours, and throat lozenges1 in four flavours - regular, black current, honey & lemon and menthol. So, when you're dealing with nasal congestion and 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 and references, visit and join the conversation on Facebook.
The South African
27-05-2025
- Health
- The South African
Fizz away colds and flu with newly-launched Cepacol® Raspberry effervescent
When cold and flu symptoms strike, the newly launched Cepacol® Effervescent in refreshing Raspberry flavour is your fizzy ally. This combination product is crafted to help ease sore throats, assist with nasal congestion, control sneezing, and calm coughs. By opening airways and thinning mucus, it helps provide comfort from chesty coughs linked to airway inflammation. Helps maintain overall health Beyond that, Cepacol® Effervescent assists in bolstering the immune function in the upper respiratory tract and offers antioxidant benefits to help maintain overall health. It contains immune-boosting vitamin A (vitamin A acetate), vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), along with zinc, to support your body's defences. Pelargonium sidoides (African geranium)is included for the symptomatic treatment of the common cold, and ivy leaf extract serves as an expectorant to assist with productive coughs. So, when you're dealing with cold and flu symptoms, remember, there's a Cepacol® for that! For more information, visit and join the conversation on Facebook. Cepacol® Effervescent – approx. RSP for 10's: R125.95 and 20's: R169.95. Cepacol®'s range of products is available at leading pharmacies and retailers nationwide. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
WIN: 1 of 10 Cepacol® hampers up for grabs!Valued at R12 000!
Stand to win 1 of 10 Cepacol® hampers which include a Volkano Mini Mamba Bluetooth Speakers and Volkano Noise Cancelling Bluetooth headphones. What's inside each hamper: 1x Volkano Mini Mamba Bluetooth Speaker 1x Volkano Noise Cancelling Blue Tooth headphones Let's Get Loud with Cepacol's Amazing Give-away! Sore throat or cough stealing your voice? There's a Cepacol give-away for that! Cepacol® known for its sore throat lozenges1, hot medication2&3, and now new raspberry-flavoured effervescent4, is turning up the volume! Our voices are just as important as the words we speak. When a scratchy throat or cough sneaks in, it can irritate the vocal cords, changing the sound of our voice and leaving us with a croak, rasp, or even a whisper.5 Cepacol® is here to ensure your voice is heard – and we're giving away a Volkano Mini Mamba Bluetooth Speaker and Volkano Noise Cancelling Blue Tooth headphones, valued at R1 200. The Volkano Mini Mamba Bluetooth Speaker is perfect for enjoying your favourite tunes on the go, delivering big sound in a compact package. Meanwhile, the Volkano Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones let you enjoy crystal-clear audio without any background noise – silencing distractions, including the hacking sound of pesky seasonal coughs. So, whether you're tackling inflammation or infection of the voice box or simple need a musical boost to get through the season, remember, #TheresACepacolForThat! Cepacol®'s range of products – Raspberry-Flavoured Effervescent,4 Cough & Cold Syrup,7 Plus Cough & Cold Syrup,8 Throat Spray,9 Throat Gargle,10 Medsip,2&3 and Throat Lozenges1 – are available from leading pharmacies and retailers nationwide. For more information and references, visit and join the conversation on Facebook and @CepacolSA. #SupaCepacol® The competition closes Sunday, 22 June 2025 at midnight. The competition will run online and in print. Delivery included Prizes are not transferable or exchangeable for cash Ts&Cs apply. This competition is only open to individuals who are 18 years of age or older. By entering the competition, you accept The Citizen's standard terms and conditions. CLICK TO ENTER
