It starts with a scratch. Then a sting. Then suddenly you’re wincing every time you swallow.
Sore throats are common — and usually harmless. But that doesn’t make them any less annoying, especially when they linger or keep you up at night.
Here’s what actually helps (skip the internet myths), and how to know when your sore throat needs more than tea and rest.
Remedies That Actually Help
When your throat is inflamed, the goal is to soothe, hydrate, and support healing. These tried-and-true remedies can help:
- Warm salt water gargle: Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle and spit. Helps reduce swelling and kill bacteria.
- Warm tea with honey: Honey coats the throat, and herbal teas (chamomile, licorice root) offer natural anti-inflammatory effects.
- Lozenges or hard candy: Stimulate saliva to keep your throat moist.
- Humidifier or steam: Dry air makes things worse. Steam inhalation or a room humidifier can ease irritation.
- Stay hydrated: Water, broth, warm fluids — the more you drink, the faster your throat can heal.
- Rest: Your voice and your immune system both need a break.
🛑 Skip: Vinegar shots, undiluted lemon juice, or anything that burns. These often do more harm than good.
When It’s More Than a Sore Throat
If your sore throat is just a sore throat, it should improve within a few days — especially if it started with cold symptoms.
But some signs point to something more serious:
- High fever (over 101°F)
- White spots or patches on your tonsils
- Severe or sharp pain when swallowing
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
- Persistent sore throat for 4+ days
- Rash, headache, or nausea
- Recent exposure to strep throat or mono
These symptoms may signal strep, a bacterial infection, or another condition that needs medical treatment — not just home remedies.
Why It’s Worth Getting Checked
A lingering or worsening sore throat isn’t just uncomfortable — it can lead to:
- Delayed recovery
- Unnecessary suffering
- Spreading illness to others (especially strep)
- Missed work or school days
Getting checked can bring peace of mind, an accurate diagnosis, and a faster path to feeling better.
Sickday Brings Relief to You
When your throat hurts, the last thing you want to do is sit in a waiting room.
Sickday sends licensed clinicians directly to your home — no lines, no guessing, no stress.
- We check your throat, vitals, and full symptom history
- Rule out strep or more serious infections
- Provide a clear plan for care — including prescriptions if needed
- Help you recover comfortably, right where you are
You Don’t Have to Push Through It Alone
If your sore throat isn’t improving — or it just doesn’t feel right — don’t wait until it gets worse.
👉 Book a Sickday visit now
We’ll bring the care (and the answers) to your door — so you can stop guessing and start healing.
