A sore throat often accompanies a COVID-19 infection, frequently appearing as an early symptom ranging from mild irritation to significant discomfort. This symptom arises from the body’s inflammatory response to the virus replicating in the upper respiratory tract. Effective strategies can alleviate this symptom and provide relief during recovery.
Home Care Strategies
Hydration plays a significant role in soothing a COVID-19 sore throat, as drinking plenty of fluids keeps the throat moist. Warm liquids such as tea with honey or broth can offer comfort, while cold options like ice chips or popsicles may also help numb the pain. Aiming for clear or light yellow urine indicates adequate hydration levels, which supports the body’s healing processes.
Gargling with salt water is another effective home remedy. Mixing about a quarter to half a teaspoon of salt into eight ounces of warm water and gargling several times a day can help reduce inflammation and clear mucus. Utilizing a humidifier or taking a hot shower can also introduce moisture into the air, which may ease dryness and irritation in the throat and airways.
Resting the voice minimizes strain on the inflamed throat tissues, allowing them to recover more efficiently. Consuming soft, easy-to-swallow foods, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, or well-cooked cereals, avoids further irritation. These approaches provide comfort and support the body’s natural healing.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers can effectively manage the pain associated with a COVID-19 sore throat. Acetaminophen, known by brand names like Tylenol, and ibuprofen, found in Advil or Motrin, can reduce pain and fever. It is important to follow the dosage instructions on the package carefully to avoid potential side effects, such as liver damage with acetaminophen if taken in excess.
Throat lozenges, cough drops, and even hard candies offer temporary relief by stimulating saliva production, which keeps the throat moist and soothes irritation. Some lozenges contain menthol, which provides a mild numbing sensation, offering a brief respite from the discomfort. Numbing throat sprays are also available and can provide direct, short-term relief to the affected area.
Many over-the-counter cough suppressants or expectorants have limited effectiveness for a COVID-19 cough. If considering these, selecting one appropriate for either a dry cough (suppressant) or a wet, mucus-producing cough (expectorant) is advisable, though their primary role is symptom management rather than treating the underlying viral infection.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many COVID-19 sore throats can be managed with home care and over-the-counter remedies, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation. Difficulty breathing or persistent pain or pressure in the chest require urgent attention. New confusion or an inability to wake or stay awake also signal a need for emergency medical care.
Changes in skin tone, such as pale, gray, or blue lips or nail beds, indicate a lack of oxygen and require immediate professional help. If symptoms worsen significantly despite home treatment, or if severe dehydration or an inability to swallow fluids occurs, medical consultation is important. Those with underlying health conditions or who are older should contact a healthcare provider sooner if their symptoms escalate.