Soothing a Sore Throat

The unpleasant, scratchy feeling that you sometimes get in your throat is most often caused by a virus and strikes when you have a cold or the flu. Viral sore throats usually occur with a stuffy, runny nose; sneezing; and body aches and pains. Unlike bacterial sore throats—such as strep throat—viral sore throats cannot be treated with antibiotics.

Tips for Self-Care
For a mild sore throat, try these self-care strategies:

• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
• Drink liquids. Gargling with warm salt water may help.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
• Suck on throat lozenges or frozen desserts.

Signs that Should Arouse More Concern
If your sore throat is severe and lasts longer than 10 days—or comes with the following symptoms—be sure to see your doctor:

• White patches on your tonsils or in the back of your throat
• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
• Fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit
• Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or opening your mouth
• Earache

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