Sore Throat

DOs and DON’Ts in Managing a Sore Throat:

• DO tell your health care provider about your medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter.
• DO call your health care provider if your symptoms get worse or you have a temperature higher than 101° F.
• DO call your health care provider right away or go to the emergency room for breathing or swallowing problems.
• DO call your health care provider if you have joint pain, body swelling, or dark urine.
• DO call your health care provider if you have severe throat pain that stops you from swallowing.
• DO gargle with a warm saltwater solution.
• DO use a vaporizer for a dry, tight feeling in the throat. Clean the vaporizer and change the water daily.
• DO replace your toothbrush after treatment starts, to prevent reinfection.
• DO limit activities until symptoms go away.
• DO increase fluid intake.
• DO follow a liquid diet (soups, gelatin, ice cream, and juices) if swallowing is hard.
• DO call your health care provider if you get a severe headache, rash, or cough with thick, yellow-green, or bloody sputum.
• DO eat a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep to improve your recovery time.
• DO wash your hands often, especially before you eat and after being with someone who’s sick.
• DO stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
• DO stay away from cigarette smoke and air pollution.
• DO get a humidifier if air in your home is very dry.

• DON’T give aspirin to a child with fever or sore throat, to avoid the dangerous Reye’s syndrome.
• DON’T stop taking your medicine or change your dosage because you feel better unless your health care provider tells you to.
• DON’T share food, utensils, or drinking glasses. Avoid kissing someone who’s sick.