Yes. Most sore throats are caused by viruses which infect the lining of the throat. The most common cause of sore throats are the viruses that cause the common cold (rhinoviruses). Sometimes, however, a sore throat is caused by allergy or the environment.

At first, a sore throat may not look like much but feel more dry, scratchy or even tickly as the virus infects and destroys healthy cells in the lining of your throat. When your immune system starts to fight the infection, the cardinal signs of inflammation, such as redness, swelling/inflammation in your throat may be visible if you look in a mirror.

While a sore throat will usually go away on its own after a week or so, you may find the dryness, scratchiness, irritation, swelling or pain distracting enough to seek some relief. If you’re looking to soothe a dry, scratchy throat you might look for lozenges that work with your saliva to coat the area. If your throat is more swollen or inflamed, you might consider a lozenge with anti-inflammatory action to help reduce the swelling and pain. If the area is difficult to reach with a lozenge, consider if a spray might be easier for you to use. If swallowing and talking is just downright painful, lozenges or sprays with anaesthetic relief can help relieve the pain.

The Difflam range of throat lozenges can be used for relief from the pain of a sore throat, through their anti-inflammatory agents (benzydamine) and to kill bacteria that can cause mouth and throat infections through the work of their antibacterial agents (cetylpyridinium). There are also options that include an anaesthetic lidocaine (lignocaine) to numb the pain.

You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before using a Difflam lozenge if you are pregnant or likely to become pregnant.

Maximum of 12 Difflam throat lozenges a day.

The Difflam range of throat sprays can be used to provide temporary relief from the symptoms of a sore throat, pharyngitis, tonsilitis, mouth ulcers, swelling, redness and inflammatory conditions, pain following mouth or throat surgery and pain following dental procedures.

The Difflam Sore Throat Gargle with Iodine can help treat a sore throat. It also comes in Fresh Mint flavour and is available as either a concentrate (you dilute this with water) or in a ready-to-use liquid.

Difflam Sore Throat Gargle with Iodine aids treatment of sore throat through the antibacterial action of the povidone iodine, while Difflam-C Sore Throat Gargle and Mouth Solution contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that may cause mouth and throat infections. Difflam Sore Throat Gargle and Mouth Solution contains the anti-inflammatory agent benzydamine which targets the site of inflammation to reduce swelling and pain.