Some people have tried adding a humidifier to their home to combat dry air, but a literature review published in 2017 found that this practice does not have any benefits. One home remedy for sore throat is a hot toddy made from lemon, honey, whiskey, and boiling water. According to a 2008 study, the hot fruit drink helped relieve the symptoms of colds. In addition, it also contains antimicrobial properties that are effective against the bacteria that cause sore throats.
Hand washing
Despite widespread public awareness, many people are unaware of the importance of hand washing for preventing sore throats. There is a link between hand washing and reduced incidence of colds and flu, but the effectiveness of handwashing and its associated public health benefits is still largely unknown. One study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that hand washing may reduce the risk of sore throat by as much as 40 percent. But handwashing does more than just prevent sore throats.
The results of the study showed that hand washing prevented the transmission of infections in a subgroup of people who had at least one infection in a week. The handwashing group also experienced a reduction in the frequency of household illness within a week. In addition, they experienced fewer antibiotic prescriptions and fewer GP visits. Overall, handwashing was more effective than hand sanitizers. The research team also found that the handwashing group had fewer respiratory tract infections and flu-like illnesses than the control group. And most importantly, handwashing prevented the development of sore throats in both subgroups.
Avoiding hot drinks
A few things you can do to soothe a sore throat are to drink green tea or avoid drinking hot drinks altogether. Green tea is particularly soothing because it contains anti-inflammatory properties. Honey can also soothe a sore throat, and it has medicinal properties. Honey can also help fight off infections, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using honey as a remedy for a sore throat. However, be aware that honey is dangerous for children under one, as it can cause botulism, a life-threatening disease.
Despite being an effective remedy for sore throat, you should also try to stay away from hot drinks during the cold and flu season. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and getting your flu jab are all excellent ways to avoid this. If you can’t avoid hot drinks, try drinking smoothies made from low-sugar fruits and vegetables. Green vegetables and fruits contain antioxidants and can help soothe a sore throat. Moreover, eating breakfast with plenty of water every day will help you get back to normal activities and boost your immune system.
Avoiding irritants
To help ease your discomfort and reduce the risk of a sore throat, avoid a number of irritants, including air dryness. Use a cool-air humidifier, if possible, to keep the air moist. Drink lots of water to help the throat. Hot liquids can also soothe it, but make sure they are not too hot. While you’re at it, take some antihistamines to prevent overreaction.
If possible, take acetaminophen and ibuprofen. If you’re not sure which medication is right for you, consult with your doctor. While ibuprofen and children’s pain relievers may provide temporary relief, they can interact with certain prescription medications. Also, herbal remedies may not be safe for children, pregnant and nursing women, and people with certain health conditions. If you’re not sure, consult an ENT or an allergy specialist.
Taking antibiotics
If you’re considering taking antibiotics for sore throat prevention, you should follow the recommendations below. First, rest is very important. Your body needs rest to rebuild its strength and recover from an infection. This means resting at home, taking antibiotics for a few days, and avoiding contact with others until your throat feels better. Next, avoid strenuous activities. Lastly, drink lots of water. Water helps ease swallowing and prevent dehydration.
Despite these risks, antibiotic use for sore throat prevention has skyrocketed in the last decade. While antibiotics can treat the symptoms of a sore throat, many studies have found that they may lead to a variety of side effects, and it’s difficult to predict which ones will affect individuals. In addition, antibiotic use has far outpaced GABHS prevalence in the United States. In fact, antibiotics such as penicillin and erythromycin are recommended as first-line medications against GABHS, although the effectiveness of these medicines is still uncertain.
Avoiding rheumatic fever
Symptoms of rheumatic fever can vary, but a doctor can help you avoid it by diagnosing the underlying cause first. If your throat feels swollen, red, and painful, it may be a sign of strep throat. Blood tests for inflammation and antibodies to strep bacteria are helpful in determining the cause. You may also be given an electrocardiogram to evaluate the heart’s electrical activity. This can be used to diagnose an irregular heartbeat and identify enlarged parts.
Rheumatic fever may develop after untreated strep throat, scarlet fever, or strep skin infection. Children are at higher risk of developing rheumatic fever after untreated strep throat, so it’s important to treat your child’s infection as soon as possible. Acute rheumatic fever can cause joint pain and jerky, uncontrollable movements, and even heart damage.
