Drink warm liquids (tea, broth) and stay well-hydrated
Gargle warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water) several times daily
Use throat lozenges or hard candies to keep the throat moist
Try honey (1–2 teaspoons) for soothing; avoid honey for children under 1 year
Use warm steam or a humidifier to add moisture to the air
Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen if you can safely use them
Use topical throat sprays or numbing lozenges as directed
Rest your voice and avoid whispering
Avoid smoking, vaping, and alcohol
Avoid irritants (very spicy foods, dry air, strong fumes)
Replace your toothbrush after 24–48 hours if symptoms started recently
Get plenty of sleep
Seek urgent care now if you have trouble breathing, drooling, inability to swallow liquids, severe one-sided throat pain, or a muffled “hot potato” voice
Seek medical care soon if fever lasts more than 3 days, symptoms last more than 7 days, you develop a rash, you have recurrent severe sore throats, or you suspect strep (tender neck glands, fever, no cough)