It is important to avoid antibiotics when a sore throat is due to infection with a virus. The antibiotics will not help. Using them to treat viral infections helps strengthen bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics.

Most sore throats are soon over. In the meantime, the following remedies may help:

• Drink warm liquids. Honey or lemon tea is a time-tested remedy.
• Gargle several times a day with warm salt water (1/2 tsp of salt in 1 cup water).
• Drink cold liquids or suck on popsicles.
• Suck on hard candies or throat lozenges to soothe your sore throat. This is often as effective as more expensive remedies. DO NOT use candies or lozenges in young children because of the choking risk.
• Use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier to moisten and soothe a dry and painful throat.
• Try over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen. DO NOT give aspirin to children.

Most cases of pharyngitis go away on their own without complications.

Complications of pharyngitis may include:

• Blockage of the airway (in severe cases)
• Sore (abscess) around the tonsils or behind the pharynx

Call your health care provider if:

• You develop a sore throat that does not go away after several days
• You have a high fever, swollen lymph nodes in your neck, or a rash

Seek immediate medical care if you have a sore throat and trouble breathing.