Home Care

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Most viral sore throats can be treated with home care. Home care also is a good supplement to the antibiotic treatment given for bacterial infections to relieve pain. These are some home care measures to try:

• Gargle every few hours with salt water (1/4 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces warm water).
• Drink a cup of weak tea with lemon or honey.
• Increase fluids to 8 to 12 glasses a day.
• Try over-the-counter throat lozenges containing local anesthetics.
• Cough drops or hard candy can moisten the throat.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Try acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen for pain and fever. (Do not give aspirin to children under 18.) Follow the label for correct dosage.
• Using a vaporizer to moisten the air may help moisten the throat.
• Avoid smoking or being around smoke and other throat irritants.
• If stomach acid is contributing to the sore throat, take precautions for heartburn.