What's the best way to maintain your vocal health? To find out, I interviewed top Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, Dr. Wallace Rubin. Dr. Rubin is a clinical professor of otorhinolaryngology and bio communication at Louisiana State University and has a private practice in New Orleans. Dr. Rubin very graciously took time out from his busy schedule to answer my questions and tell us how to care for the voice, especially during cold and flu season. I am very grateful for his contribution. The complete interview is found in my book ?Speak To Influence: How To Unlock The Hidden Power of Your Voice,? available at your favorite bookseller.

Dr. Rubin, what causes laryngitis?

Swelling of the mucus membranes over the vocal chords, viral infections like colds and flu and bacterial infections. The body usually has protective chemicals in the mucus membranes to keep an infection in the nose, sinus or lungs from moving up or down to the vocal chords, but it doesn't always work.

Can you get sick from using someone else's head set or telephone?

It's a very difficult thing to document. It's more likely that you would get it by a sick person being near you and coughing or sneezing into the air close to you.

How about from a cup or silverware?

You can get it that way. Just put your plates and silverware in the dishwasher and that will take care of it.

What about breathing cold air? Should you cover your nose and mouth with a scarf if it's really cold outside?

It won't help much. It won't hurt if it makes you more comfortable. But as far as preventing anything, there's not much difference.

If you get laryngitis is there a cure?

Definitely. Curable and preventable. The first step is to determine whether it's a bacterial infection and if so, antibiotics are very useful. If it's viral, we have a group of prescription drugs today that are very useful to build up the body's immunity to get you over it. You attack the infection first and then give medications such as antihistamines, decongestants and nasal steroids for swelling and blockage.

How long does it usually take for a person to recover their voice?

If they do the things I just mentioned, 24 hours for some people. But you can surely be performing in 48 to 72 hours. I take care of many opera singers. We give the medication by injection to get the swelling down quickly.

Can clearing your throat damage the voice?

Definitely. If you've already got laryngitis and you are a speaker or performer of any kind, when you clear your throat you're banging those vocal chords against each other. It would be like taking an arm or leg that's already swollen and beating it against the wall. I tell my patients to swallow instead. If you can avoid the throat clearing you'll get well faster.

What are some other ways people abuse their voice?

Smoking. Certain people have a lot of trouble with alcohol consumption. Over-use. Trying to get to an audience without a microphone.

What are the most common allergies that effect the voice?

Most people are aware of inhalant allergies like trees, grass, mold. But food allergies can give a delayed response. The most common are dairy, soy, wheat, peanut and egg. A doctor can help you identify and prevent the problem.

What are the warning signs of a serious throat problem?

If it persists for more than a few days or gets treated and doesn't clear up. That's the point at which certain larynx testing procedures, even biopsies, need to be done.

When should you go to a specialist instead of the family doctor?

Don't wait too long. If you don't get over the problem after being treated by a general physician in a few days or a week, see a specialist.Here's to your good health!