What's the best medicine for sore throat?

Here is the best medicine for a sore throat:
  • Best overall: Chloraseptic spray, $6.79 on Walgreens. ...
  • Best cough drops: Cepacol cough drops, $3.29 on Target. ...
  • Best natural: Zarbee's Natural Honey Cough Soothers, $8.99 on Amazon. ...
  • Best home remedy: Numi Throat Soother Tea, $4.93 on Amazon.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on insider.com


How do I get rid of a sore throat quickly?

6 home remedies to get rid of a sore throat
  1. Warm and cold fluids. Sip on warm drinks, like tea or chicken soup. ...
  2. Gargling. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt — or a similar amount of baking soda — in a glass of warm water. ...
  3. Over-the-counter antihistamines and pain relievers. ...
  4. Steam and humidity. ...
  5. Hot toddy. ...
  6. Rest.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on health.clevelandclinic.org


What is the fastest medicine for sore throat?

Acetaminophen or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can take the edge off many cold symptoms, including your sore throat.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on webmd.com


How long do sore throats last?

Sore throats, also known as pharyngitis, can be acute, lasting only a few days, or chronic, lingering on until their underlying cause is addressed. Most sore throats are the result of common viruses and resolve on their own within 3 to 10 days. Sore throats caused by a bacterial infection or allergies may last longer.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


What is sore throat a symptom of?

Sore throat can be a symptom of strep throat, the common cold, allergies, or other upper respiratory tract illness. Sore throat caused by a virus or the bacteria called group A Streptococcus can have similar symptoms.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on cdc.gov


Sore throat remedies at home / How to treat sore throat at home



What kills a sore throat fast overnight medicine?

Either acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help with the pain of a sore throat. But Advil or ibuprofen also helps relieve inflammation, so you may score more sore throat relief by taking that.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on insider.com


How do you get rid of a sore throat in 5 minutes?

If you really want to get rid of a sore throat, reach for these best OTC cures next time you're feeling achy.
  1. Gargle with salt water—but steer clear of apple cider vinegar. ...
  2. Drink extra-cold liquids. ...
  3. Suck on an ice pop. ...
  4. Fight dry air with a humidifier. ...
  5. Skip acidic foods. ...
  6. Swallow antacids. ...
  7. Sip herbal teas.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on entandallergy.com


What to do if your throat hurts when you swallow?

The best remedies include:
  1. Take over-the-counter pain medicine. This includes brand names such as Tylenol, Motrin, and Aleve. ...
  2. Gargle with warm salt water. ...
  3. Suck on an over-the-counter throat lozenge. ...
  4. Eat a popsicle.
  5. Use a humidifier in your bedroom. ...
  6. Drink liquids to keep your throat from getting dry.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on familydoctor.org


Is my sore throat COVID?

If you have just a sore throat with no other symptoms, it's less likely to be COVID-19. But with other symptoms, it is possible you have COVID. Sore throat, cough, fever – I would be worried about COVID. “Having just an isolated sore throat.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on osfhealthcare.org


What causes sore throat but no fever?

The majority of sore throats are caused by viruses, which can raise your body temperature slightly, but usually not enough to cause a fever (100.4 °F or more). Sore throat without fever can also be caused by allergies, reflux, STIs, behaviors like yelling or singing, and environmental irritants.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on insider.com


Can you have COVID with sore throat and no fever?

A fever is one of the common symptoms of COVID-19, but you can be infected with the coronavirus and have a cough or other symptoms with no fever, or a very low-grade one — especially in the first few days. Keep in mind that it is also possible to have the coronavirus with minimal symptoms or even no symptoms at all.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on hopkinsmedicine.org


Does ibuprofen help sore throat?

The following measures can often help soothe a sore throat: take ibuprofen or paracetamol – paracetamol is better for children and for people who can't take ibuprofen (note that children under 16 should never take aspirin) drink plenty of cool or warm fluids, and avoid very hot drinks.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nhsinform.scot


Which is better for sore throat Tylenol or ibuprofen?

Many studies suggest ibuprofen works better than Tylenol for throat pain. But ibuprofen isn't a safe choice for everyone. If you can't take ibuprofen, then Tylenol would be a good alternative. Aspirin isn't recommended for a sore throat because it tends to cause more side effects.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on goodrx.com


What are mild symptoms of COVID?

The National Institutes of Health guidelines for treatment categorize mild COVID as" [i]ndividuals who have any of the various signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat, malaise, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of taste and smell) but who do not have shortness of breath, ...
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on npr.org


When do COVID symptoms start?

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19: Fever or chills.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on cdc.gov


How do I know if my sore throat is viral or bacterial?

Knowing whether your sore throat is viral or bacterial is usually determined by symptoms. Viral sore throats usually consist of a cough, swelling in the throat, and runny nose whereas bacterial sore throats are typically accompanied with nausea and vomiting, stomach ache, and there is no cough.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on medicinenet.com


When should I be worried about a sore throat?

In most cases, your sore throat will improve with at-home treatment. However, it's time to see your doctor if a severe sore throat and a fever over 101 degrees lasts longer than one to two days; you have difficulty sleeping because your throat is blocked by swollen tonsils or adenoids; or a red rash appears.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on osteopathic.org


Why won't my sore throat go away?

If you're experiencing a prolonged sore throat and are unable to find relief, it's possible you may have an infection like tonsillitis. Most often, tonsillitis is diagnosed in children, but people can get it at any age. Tonsillitis can be caused by bacterial infections or viruses.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


What happens if you have a sore throat for 3 days?

A sore throat is one of the most common reasons for a sick day and a doctor's visit. At the first sign of scratchiness, you wonder if it will linger or fade away in a few days. If it's simply a symptom of the cold or flu, it will probably go away as your flu subsides. If it doesn't, you'll need to see a doctor.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on orlandohealth.com


What does a Covid cough feel like?

Believe it or not, COVID coughs do have qualities that set them apart from an average cough: Dry Cough – It sounds like someone's hacking up a lung. It carries a consistent, rough tone because it doesn't contain mucus. Persistent Cough – It's a painful loop.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on sfsh.com


What's strep throat look like?

Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus. Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate) Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck. Fever.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org


What viruses cause a sore throat?

Most sore throats are caused by colds, the flu, coxsackie virus or mono (mononucleosis). Bacteria that can cause pharyngitis in some cases: Strep throat is caused by group A streptococcus. Less commonly, bacterial diseases such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause sore throat.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mountsinai.org


What helps a sore throat from Covid?

If you have mild COVID-19 symptoms with a sore throat, you can take some steps to help ease your symptoms at home. For instance, you can: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated while you recover. Warm liquids like broths or tea with honey may help to soothe throat irritation and soreness.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


How do you know if you have strep throat or just a sore throat?

A viral sore throat is typically accompanied by other cold-like symptoms, such as cough, sneeze, runny nose and a hoarse or raspy voice. “A strep infection can make it feel very painful to swallow, and often comes with fever of 101-degrees or higher,” said Schairer.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on samhealth.org