Laryngitis (noun), a condition that causes inflammation of the larynx (a.k.a. voice box), can lead to lost days at work, school, or home. When laryngitis strikes, the vocal cords swell and become irritated, making it difficult or painful to speak.
Staying home with laryngitis is a common-sense measure to prevent the spread of germs and give the vocal cords time to heal. It’s also important to avoid straining the voice, such as by whispering or clearing the throat frequently.