Treatments for a sore throat

The following measures can often help soothe a sore throat:

• take Painkillers, 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
• eatcool, soft foods
• avoid smoking and smoky places
• gargle with a homemade mouthwash of warm, salty water
• suck lozenges, hard sweets, ice cubes or ice lollies but don't give young children anything small and hard to suck because of the risk of choking

There are alsoproducts such asmedicated lozenges and sprays sold in pharmacies that you may want to try.There isn't muchscientific evidence to suggest they help, although some people find them worth using.

Antibiotics aren't usually prescribed for a sore throat, even if it's caused by a bacterial infection, as they're unlikely to make you feel better any quicker andthey canhaveunpleasant side effects .