Most sore throats are caused by the same viruses that cause colds and flu. They usually get better on their own within a week. Antibiotics don’t help a viral sore throat, but plenty of simple remedies can make you feel better while your body clears the infection.
What causes a sore throat?
- Viruses such as colds, flu and COVID-19 cause most sore throats, often with a runny nose, cough or hoarse voice.
- Strep throat, a bacterial infection, causes around 1 in 10 sore throats in adults and up to 3 in 10 in children. It needs a test and antibiotics.
- Dry air, allergies and acid reflux can irritate the throat, especially first thing in the morning. See allergies or cold: how to tell and heartburn relief.
- Smoking and shouting can also leave your throat raw.
Home remedies that help
- Salt water gargle: dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, gargle and spit. Repeat several times a day.
- Honey: a spoonful on its own or in warm water or tea soothes the throat and can ease coughing. Never give honey to babies under 1 year old.
- Warm and cold drinks: warm tea or broth, or cold drinks and ice lollies, whichever feels better.
- Rest your voice and get plenty of sleep.
- Humidify the air with a humidifier or a steamy shower if the air is dry.
- Stay hydrated so your throat doesn’t dry out.
Over-the-counter options
- Pain relievers: acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen ease pain and fever. Follow the label and check other cold medicines for the same ingredient.
- Medicated lozenges and sprays: lozenges with menthol, or with numbing ingredients like benzocaine, give short-term relief. Don’t give lozenges to young children because of the choking risk.
- Herbal lozenges: honey and herbal lozenges such as Himalaya Koflet lozenges soothe and keep the throat moist.
- Cough syrups: if a cough is keeping your throat sore, a soothing herbal syrup such as Himalaya Koflet-EX linctus may help. Read the age guidance on the pack.
Is it strep throat?
Strep is more likely if you have:
- A sudden, severe sore throat and pain when swallowing
- A fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher
- Swollen, tender glands at the front of the neck
- White patches or pus on the tonsils, or tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
- No cough or runny nose
A doctor or urgent care clinic can do a quick swab test. If it’s strep, antibiotics help you recover faster and prevent complications.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if:
- Your sore throat lasts longer than a week, or keeps coming back
- You have signs of strep throat, listed above
- You have a high fever, a rash, or ear pain
- You have a weakened immune system
Get urgent help if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, are drooling because you can’t swallow, can’t open your mouth fully, or have swelling on one side of the throat or neck.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a sore throat last?
A viral sore throat usually improves within 5 to 7 days. Strep throat improves within a day or two of starting antibiotics.
What is the fastest way to soothe a sore throat?
A salt water gargle, a spoonful of honey, a lozenge and a pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen usually bring relief within an hour.
Do I need antibiotics for a sore throat?
Only if a test shows a bacterial infection such as strep. Antibiotics don’t work on viruses and can cause side effects.
More in our Allergies guide: all our articles and products on this topic in one place.
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist.
