Looking after a sore throat

Let’s break down sore throats: what works, what doesn’t?

What works? Salt water gargling works, and is safe for most people. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of table salt into glass of warm water. Gargle, spit, repeat. This is generally safe for children old who are enough to gargle without swallowing (at least 6 years old, but many children need to be older) and adults who aren’t on sodium-restricted diets. Not sure? Ask your GP.

Child’s first gargle? Make sure your child is at least 6 years old. Show them how to do it by gargling yourself – being silly will make this go smoother – and then let them try with small amount of plain water first. Any doubts or distress or swallowing? Skip it. C. is only 5, so we will leave it another while before we try it with him.

The over-the-counter pain killers that usually take – paracetamol or ibuprofen – can also help. Need more advice? Your registered pharmacist is a great person to ask. If you are an adult, quitting smoking/vaping can help reduce throat irritation (also, it’s always a good time to stop smoking or vaping!) For very young children, cool drinks or ice lollies can be soothing.

Many sore throats are caused by a virus, and will go away on their own without antibiotics. Some sore throats are caused by tonsillitis; sometimes tonsillitis needs antibiotics. Strep A can also cause sore throat, and does need antibiotics, but not all sore throats are strep throat.

If there is a very high temperature (over 39 degrees) with the sore throat

If a young child or baby is not drinking enough or has dry nappies

If someone has a sore throat and weak immune system

If a sore throat lasts more than 2 weeks

If a child has a rash with the sore throat