Primary Care

Self-Care Tips | Sore Throat

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A sore throat is pain in the throat. Viral and bacterial infections can cause a sore throat. Often a sore throat is a sign of another illness.

Symptoms of a sore throat

• An achy, scratchy, or burning sensation
• White patches in your throat or on your tonsils
• Pain when you swallow
• Swollen, red tonsils
• Sore glands in your jaw and throat
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Fever

What you can do

• Drink a lot of liquids
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
• Gargle with warm salt water (use 1 tsp. of salt per 8 oz. glass of water)
• Suck on throat lozenges or hard candy
• Eat Popsicles® or other flavored frozen desserts
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to your bedroom

When to call your primary care provider

• The soreness lasts more than a week
• Trouble swallowing or breathing
• Swollen lymph glands in the neck
• Blood in saliva or phlegm
• Pus in the back of the throat

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