Drink warm liquids (tea, broth, warm water with honey)
Mix honey with warm water or tea (avoid for children under 1 year)
Gargle warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in 8 oz/240 mL water) several times daily
Use throat lozenges or hard candy to keep the throat moist
Stay hydrated with water and other non-irritating fluids
Rest your voice and avoid whispering
Use a humidifier or take steamy showers to add moisture to the air
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
Avoid alcohol and very spicy or acidic foods
Use saline nasal spray or rinse if post-nasal drip is present
Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
Consider over-the-counter throat sprays or numbing lozenges as directed
Use a soft toothbrush and maintain good oral hygiene
Seek medical care urgently if you have trouble breathing, drooling, inability to swallow liquids, severe one-sided throat pain, or neck swelling
Seek medical care promptly if symptoms last more than 3–5 days, are worsening, or you have fever, rash, or swollen/tender neck glands
Get tested for strep throat if you have fever and no cough, or if strep is suspected
Avoid sharing utensils and wash hands to reduce spread if infectious
Replace toothbrush after several days of illness to help prevent reinfection