Corona Virus Symptoms: Sneezing and Its Impact on Singing

Singing is an incredible way to express oneself, but it's essential to consider the potential risks of spreading illnesses while performing. In this article, we'll explore the impact of sneezing on singing and whether it's safe to continue singing with a cold or other viral infections.

Common viral infections like the common cold or flu can sometimes lead to laryngitis, an inflammation of the voice box that causes swollen vocal folds (or vocal cords). While it might seem like having a stuffed-up nose would affect one's singing ability, experts say it usually doesn't make a significant difference to the audience's perception of the voice.

However, if you're not a professional performer, it may be wise to skip your choir rehearsal or performance to avoid spreading the virus to fellow singers. Sinuses that are locked or a sore throat are unlikely to affect singing ability, according to Declan Costello, a consultant laryngologist who specializes in treating voice disorders.

But what about nasal colds that affect sinuses or upper throat infections? According to Costello, if you have one of these conditions, you're usually fine to keep singing. He notes that bacterial tonsillitis can also be treated with antibiotics and won't significantly impact your singing voice.

The question remains: how does singing with a cold impact our voice? When we sing, our vocal cords vibrate up to 2,000 times per second within our larynx. This vibration is what produces the beautiful sounds we hear when we sing. However, if we're not feeling well due to illness, it can affect the quality of our singing.

I recently experienced this firsthand after suffering from flu and losing my voice completely over Christmas. I was hesitant about attending my first choir rehearsal after recovering, but with proper care and rest, my voice returned to its normal state.

In conclusion, while sneezing may not significantly impact one's singing ability, it's essential to consider the potential risks of spreading illnesses when performing. If you're feeling unwell due to a cold or other viral infection, it may be best to take precautions to avoid infecting others and prioritize your recovery. By doing so, you can help keep yourself and your fellow singers healthy while still enjoying the joy of singing.

Corona virus symptoms sneezing