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How long should a sore throat last?
There are few things more irritating than an unwelcome sore throat.
And with Covid still circulating, it carries a more serious threat than ever before.
But assuming you test negative for the virus, how long can you expect a sore throat to last?
Usually no longer than a week
But then the pandemic hit, and routines went out the window.
It seems like a long time ago, but even if you wanted to continue a regular exercise routine you were only allowed out for an hour a day.
The daily commute was brought to a shuddering halt while households across the country balanced an entirely new set of challenges, from home-schooling to being ultra-cautious when it came to shielding.
If you were placed on furlough, even the discipline of turning up for work – virtually or otherwise – wasn’t an option.
What can you do?
Fortunately, there are many soothing techniques that make a sore throat more bearable and allow you to go about your day more comfortably.
Drinking plenty of fluids, a solution for so many ailments, is crucial, as is eating cool or soft foods.
Ice-cubes and lollipops also reduce the pain, as do hard sweets. But you should remember not to try this with children due to the risk of choking.
If you’re a smoker you should stay off the cigarettes while your throat hurts and avoid places where you’re likely to encounter smoke.
Rest is important and, if your taste buds can handle it, gargling with salt water is another proven technique.
That involves filling a warm glass of water with half a teaspoon of salt before swishing it around in your mouth.
But be sure not to swallow it - and this is another trick that shouldn’t be tried out on kids.
What if it’s still too sore?
If those soothing techniques aren’t reducing the pain, painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol are available in our shops and online store.
Medicated lozenges and anaesthetic spray are also known to have a positive impact.
What if it’s not better after a week?
If a week passes and you’re still struggling with a sore throat, it’s time to contact a GP.
You should also seek out the advice of a doctor if you get sore throats regularly or if your sore throat is accompanied by a high temperature or shivering.
That could mean you’re suffering from a bacterial infection which can be treated by antibiotics.
If you’re worried about your sore throat, or have any additional questions, please drop us a line by emailing [email protected].
And, when it comes to sore throats and coughs, be sure follow the latest testing and isolation government guidelines on Covid-19.
