Sore throats are common and usually nothing to worry about. So when someone in your family has a sore throat, it’s easy to assume they’ll get over it or take care of themselves. But a little care can soothe their discomfort and help to shorten how long it lasts. Here are some simple ways to help your loved one feel more comfortable.

1. Gargle Salt Water

   For adults and children older than 6 years, gargling with warm, salty water can help soothe a sore throat. To make a salt water gargle, mix half a teaspoon of salt in a full glass of warm water until it’s dissolved. Take care not to use water that’s too hot as this can make a sore throat feel worse. Encourage your loved one to gargle with this mixture and spit it out (don’t swallow).

2. Get Some Rest

   Viral infections like a cold or the flu and sometimes bacterial infections, are common causes of a sore throat. A person who is unwell, is also likely to feel tired and run down. Some infections can even affect how they sleep. Scientists believe that sleep plays a vital role in helping the body recover from illness. So, when you're caring for a loved one with a sore throat, encourage them to get as much rest as possible. It's also a good idea to let their voice rest too.

3. Keep Hydrated

   The discomfort of a sore throat can sometimes reduce how much fluids are drunk. This can lead to dehydration. Encourage your loved on to drink plenty of liquids, not only to prevent dehydration but also to soothe their sore throat. You could offer your child a soothingly cool glass of milk or they could suck on ice chips or an ice lolly (not suitable for young children). Comforting drinks such as warm broths or tea without caffeine can be soothing or you could try giving them warm water with a little honey (don’t give honey to children under a year old). Remember to let the liquid cool enough, to avoid aggravating their throat pain.

4. Get the saliva flowing

   For adults and children over the age of six years, sucking hard sweets or lozenges can help keep the throat moist and ease the irritation of dryness.

   You can also speak to a pharmacist about medicated lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic, or anti-inflammatory medicine to help relieve the pain and discomfort of a sore throat. Strepsils Honey & Lemon Lozenges contain 2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol and Amylmetacresol, two antiseptics that help ease the symptoms of mouth and throat infections. As you suck the lozenge, the ingredients get to work in 5 minutes right where it hurts, helping to kill germs, easing the soreness, and helping to soothe and moisten your throat for relief of up to 2 hours. They’re suitable for adults and children over 6 years of age

5. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

   Caffeine and alcohol can be drying, which may exacerbate a sore throat. They’re also stimulants which can interfere with sleep when your loved one needs it most, to help with their recovery.

6. Keep things smoke free

   Looking after a loved one with a sore throat, means avoiding smoking, for both you and the ill person as it can irritate their sore throat. Keeping the home and their room airy and smoke-free without being draughty, can help them feel more comfortable.

7. When to Speak to a Doctor

   If your loved one’s sore throat has not improved after a week or they’re getting sore throats often, speak to a GP. Do not use Strepsils Honey & Lemon Lozenges for more than 3 days. Don’t hesitate to make an urgent appointment with a GP or get immediate medical advice if you’re worried about your loved one’s sore throat, or if they also have the following symptoms:

This article is for general information only and not intended as a substitute for medical advice. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health-related matters, always consult your healthcare professional. Always read the product label. Use only as directed. Incorrect use could be harmful. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional.