Ways to help get rid of a sore throat

This article is up to date as of August 20, 2025, and is based on vaccine guidance provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Individual states may adopt their own vaccine policies and recommendations based on local public health assessments and regulatory frameworks. For the most up-to-date information, consult a state or local health care provider.

Sore throats happen, sometimes more often than people would like. And almost everyone wants a quick fix when they get a sore throat. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. But there are things people can do to help soothe symptoms while they last. Here’s where to start.

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What are some causes of a sore throat?

Sore throats can be painful, irritating and even itchy. There are many different potential causes of a sore throat. Viruses like the common cold or seasonal flu are the most common cause of acute pharyngitis, which is an infection of the throat that comes on quickly and causes discomfort.

Others are caused by bacterial infections like strep throat. About 20 to 30 percent of pharyngitis episodes in children are due to group A strep (the cause of strep throat), and about 5 to 15 percent of pharyngitis episodes in adults are due to group A strep. Strep throat tends to come on fast and can be treated with antibiotics. A sore throat can also be caused by tonsillitis, which is an infection of the tonsils. Tonsillitis, like pharyngitis, can be viral or bacterial.

There are other rarer and more serious bacterial illnesses that can cause a sore throat. The Haemophilus influenzae type b (also known as Hib) vaccine, which is typically given to all children between the ages of 2 and 15 months, helps prevent a serious cause of sore throat called epiglottitis.

Infections aren’t the only causes of sore throats, though. Allergies, tobacco smoke and other irritants can also contribute to throat pain. Some people may develop a sore throat that can last longer than 10 days, called chronic pharyngitis. This type of sore throat is usually not due to infection; it can be caused by allergies, chronic acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and exposure to smoke or other chemicals.

7 sore-throat options to help soothe symptoms

Most sore throats happen because of viral infections. Antibiotics won’t help a viral infection, but there are other ways to ease the pain.

1. Lots of fluids

Drinking fluids and staying hydrated help keep the throat moist, which may help reduce dryness and irritation. Drinking water also helps prevent dehydration, which can happen to people experiencing pain or discomfort when trying to swallow.

2. Honey

Honey’s thick texture helps coat the throat, reducing irritation and discomfort. People often mix it with tea or water, or take it straight by the spoonful.

There is one caveat here, though: Giving honey to children under 1 year old is not advised. That’s because honey can sometimes contain spores that cause botulism (a condition that attacks the body’s nerves). It’s rare, but it does happen. And babies with developing digestive systems are more likely to get sick from it.

3. Salt water gargle

Adults may try gargling with salt water, which can help soothe throat pain. (Children might have a harder time gargling.)

4. Humidifiers

Dry air tends to dry out the throat, which can be irritating. Humidifiers provide relief by adding moisture back into the surrounding environment. This is another great option for people who are also stuffed up and breathing through their mouths more often.

5. Cold treats

Things like ice cream and popsicles can help numb the throat, which provides some temporary relief. These treats can help keep the throat moist, too, which may make it easier to swallow.

6. Hot drinks

Cold items aren’t the only way to soothe a sore throat. Drinking warm fluids like tea or soup can help soothe the throat as well and may help people feel less congested by thinning the mucous in their throat and nasal passages.

7. Avoid irritants

People should avoid smoking and any other irritants until they get better. They may even want to stay away from spicy food and certain cleaning products until their symptoms improve.

Over-the-counter (OTC) products for a sore throat

When to seek treatment for a sore throat

Most sore throats are caused by viral infections, meaning they’ll get better on their own. But it is sometimes important to be seen by a health care provider. Anyone who has a persistent fever over 101 degrees along with a sore throat should seek medical attention

People should also see a health care provider if they have a bad sore throat that lasts more than a week or a sore throat along with trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, trouble opening their mouth, swelling of the face or the neck, or unusual drooling.

Key takeaways

Allergies, bacteria and viruses can all cause throat pain. Only bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotic medication. But that doesn’t mean people dealing with other types of ailments can’t find some symptom relief. Things like gargling with salt water, staying hydrated and avoiding irritants can all help improve symptoms of a sore throat. Still, it’s important to visit a health care provider if other symptoms develop. That list may include things like a fever or rash. Health care providers will know how to deliver the right kind of care.

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This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.