Sore Throat Guide: Home Care and Red Flags

Helps most

I gargle with warm salt water a few times a day.

I drink warm fluids, with honey for adults and children over 1 year.

I am resting my voice.

Comfort only

I drink ginger tea or kashayam.

I use throat lozenges.

Please avoid

I started antibiotics on my own, or used leftover ones.

I gave honey to a baby under 1 year.

Red flags

I can't swallow my own saliva, or I am drooling.

I can't open my mouth fully, or my voice sounds muffled.

Swelling on one side of the throat or neck.

High fever, breathing difficulty, or it has lasted more than a week.

See all questions on one page

Helps most

I gargle with warm salt water a few times a day.
I drink warm fluids, with honey for adults and children over 1 year.
I am resting my voice.

Comfort only

I drink ginger tea or kashayam.
I use throat lozenges.

Please avoid

I started antibiotics on my own, or used leftover ones.
I gave honey to a baby under 1 year.

Red flags

I can't swallow my own saliva, or I am drooling.
I can't open my mouth fully, or my voice sounds muffled.
Swelling on one side of the throat or neck.
High fever, breathing difficulty, or it has lasted more than a week.

What your ticks may mean

Salt-water gargles, warm fluids and rest ease most sore throats. Antibiotics help only some bacterial throat infections, and a doctor should decide that.

Get urgent care if

You ticked a red flag. Trouble swallowing saliva, a muffled voice, one-sided swelling or breathing difficulty can mean an abscess or a more serious infection.