COVID Sore Throat Remedies: Easing Discomfort & Speeding Recovery

Gentle home care steps can calm discomfort and support a smoother healing process.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 22, 2025

Gentle home care steps can calm discomfort and support a smoother healing process.

COVID-19 Sore Throat: Effective Remedies For Rapid Relief

A sore throat can be one of the most distressing symptoms of COVID-19, often arriving early and causing significant discomfort. While the virus must run its course, several expert-approved remedies and care strategies can help soothe your throat, ease discomfort, and support your recovery. This comprehensive guide covers causes, best at-home solutions, medical advice, and answers to top questions about COVID-19 sore throat relief.

Understanding COVID-19 Sore Throat

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, produces a spectrum of symptoms. Sore throat has emerged as one of the most common symptoms, particularly with newer variants. This irritation and pain can range from mild scratchiness to severe pain, often making swallowing and speaking difficult.

If you're seeking natural ways to find relief, discover our expert-approved natural remedies for soothing your sore throat. These remedies not only alleviate discomfort but also promote faster healing, making your recovery journey much more manageable.

Viral cause: COVID-19 sore throat is viral, not bacterial, so antibiotics are ineffective.
Duration: Sore throat typically lasts 3-7 days, but in some cases, symptoms may persist up to 2 weeks.
Severity: The level of discomfort can vary — some individuals experience mild symptoms, while others report pain interfering with eating, sleeping, or work.

Top At-Home Remedies for a COVID-19 Sore Throat

Most people with a sore throat from COVID-19 can safely recover at home. The following remedies help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and aid the body’s natural healing process. These approaches are recommended and regarded as safe by healthcare professionals.

1. Rest & Recovery

For additional support during your recovery, check out our doctor-approved natural cold remedies that effectively soothe symptoms. These remedies can enhance your comfort level and help you bounce back more quickly from your illness.

Getting enough rest is crucial, as it allows your immune system to focus on combating the virus. Avoid physical exertion, minimize stress, and resist the temptation to attend meetings or work virtually if possible. Fatigue is common, and overextending yourself can prolong symptoms and worsen throat irritation.

2. Hydration

Maintaining hydration is essential for recovery. Fluids soothe a dry, scratchy throat, help thin mucus, and prevent dehydration exacerbated by fever or sweating.

Water is the best choice, but
Warm drinks like herbal tea or clear broth provide additional comfort and moisture.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can be dehydrating.

3. Warm and Cold Fluids

When considering your dietary choices during a sore throat, don’t miss our guide on what to eat when you have a cold. Ensuring you consume the right foods can significantly ease your discomfort and speed up your recovery process.

Both warm and cold beverages have been shown to help relieve throat pain. The preference is personal—some people find heat soothing, while others get relief from cold drinks.

Try warm tea (especially with honey), warm water, broth, or clear soups.
Cold options such as ice water, ice chips, popsicles, and even ice cream can provide numbness and decrease pain.
Avoid very hot fluids as they may worsen irritation.

4. Saltwater Gargles

Gargling with saltwater is a classic and scientifically supported sore throat remedy. The saline solution helps reduce inflammation, loosen mucus, and temporarily relieve pain.

Mix 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water.
Gargle the mixture in the back of your throat for 10–20 seconds, then spit out.
Repeat every 3 hours as needed for relief.

In addition to saltwater gargles, explore our doctor-recommended remedies for getting rid of a cough at home. Discover effective strategies to alleviate persistent coughs that may accompany your sore throat.

5. Humidified and Moist Air

Dry air can further dry out and irritate your throat.
Inhaling moist air may help ease your symptoms:

Run a humidifier in your bedroom.
Take a hot shower or inhale steam from a warm bowl of water.

Moist air can also improve congestion and soothe other COVID-19 symptoms.

6. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief Medications

Pain relievers can ease throat pain, lower fever, and help you rest. The most common options include:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Reduces pain and fever.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Effective against pain and inflammation. Some studies suggest it may relieve sore throat slightly more than acetaminophen, but either is appropriate if you can tolerate them both.
Avoid aspirin in children and teenagers due to risk of Reye’s syndrome.

For a comforting drink, look into our top 10 best teas for cold and flu symptoms. The right tea can soothe your throat and provide relief while you recover from COVID-19 symptoms.

7. Throat Lozenges, Sprays, and Medicated Drops

Sucking on mentholated lozenges, cough drops, or hard candy can coat the throat, stimulate saliva production, and numb pain. Some throat sprays also provide temporary numbing. Follow directions carefully and keep these away from young children (choking risk).

8. Soothing Foods & Avoiding Irritants

Eat soft, bland foods that are easy to swallow: applesauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and scrambled eggs.
Avoid spicy, acidic (citrus, tomato), salty, or rough foods (chips, toast) that may irritate the tissue.
Do not smoke or allow exposure to secondhand smoke.

If you're wondering about symptom persistence, don't forget to read our article on how long a COVID cough lasts—and when you should worry. Understanding your symptoms enables better self-care and when to seek further help.

9. Complementary & Alternative Approaches

Some people consider alternative or complementary treatments for sore throat relief. While evidence is limited regarding effectiveness for COVID-19, options used for viral sore throats include:

Honey: Added to warm drinks, honey can coat and soothe the throat (do not give to children under 1 year).
Herbal teas: Ingredients such as slippery elm, licorice root, and marshmallow root are traditionally used for their throat-protective properties.
Traditional Chinese medicines and acupuncture: May provide short-term relief; consult a qualified practitioner for guidance.

10. Ice Chips and Popsicles

Sucking on ice chips or popsicles can numb the pain and keep moisture in your throat. This is particularly helpful for children who may reject warm fluids.

11. Practice Vocal Rest

Talking less can ease throat strain and promote faster healing, especially if hoarseness is present.

When To Seek Medical Advice

While most mild sore throats from COVID-19 resolve with supportive self-care, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider if:

The sore throat is unusually severe or persists longer than two weeks.
You develop difficulty breathing, swallowing, or opening your mouth.
There is visible swelling of the throat or neck.
Drooling, high fever, or rash appears.
You are at high risk for severe COVID-19 (older age, chronic conditions, immunocompromised), as you may need antiviral medications like Paxlovid.

Never use antibiotics for a viral sore throat unless your provider confirms a bacterial infection, such as strep throat.

COVID Sore Throat vs. Strep Throat: What’s the Difference?

Feature	COVID-19 Sore Throat	Strep Throat (Bacterial)
Cause	Virus (SARS-CoV-2)	Bacteria (Streptococcus)
Common Symptoms	Sore throat, cough, fever, headache, fatigue, congestion, loss of taste/smell	Sore throat (often severe), fever, swollen lymph nodes, red/white throat patches, no runny nose
Treatment	Rest, fluids, symptom relief, antivirals (if high risk)	Antibiotics (if diagnosed)
Testing	COVID-19 PCR or antigen test	Throat swab/culture for strep

Only a test can reliably distinguish between COVID-19 and strep throat, as symptoms can overlap. Do not self-diagnose or use leftover antibiotics.

Expert Tips for Maximum Relief & Smart Self-Care

Monitor your symptoms and make note of any changes or new developments.
Maintain good hygiene: Wash hands, disinfect shared surfaces, and avoid close contact with others to reduce spread.
Mask up if you must interact with others indoors during illness.
Use a separate bathroom if possible, and don’t share utensils or household items.
Disinfect the sink after saltwater gargles.
Be patient: Full healing takes time and gradual symptom improvement is expected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does a COVID sore throat last?

A sore throat from COVID-19 can usually last anywhere from a few days up to 2 weeks, though most recover within 3–7 days. Duration varies by immune response, variant, and overall health.

Can antibiotics help a COVID sore throat?

No. COVID-19 sore throat is viral and antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. Using antibiotics unnecessarily can lead to side effects and antibiotic resistance.

Are there specific foods to avoid with COVID-19 sore throat?

Avoid spicy, acidic, rough, or salty foods that can worsen throat pain. Stick with soft, smooth foods and soothing liquids.

What’s the best over-the-counter medicine for COVID sore throat?

Both acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are effective choices. Ibuprofen may offer more throat pain relief for some. Always use as directed and check for interactions with existing medications.

When should I call a doctor for COVID sore throat?

Seek medical help if your symptoms are very severe, you’re having trouble breathing or swallowing, you have a high-risk health condition, unexplained rashes, or there is no improvement after two weeks.

Can I use home remedies and medications together?

Yes, most supportive remedies (e.g., hydration, saltwater gargles, lozenges) can be combined safely with over-the-counter pain relief. Always check medication labels and consult a pharmacist or provider for guidance if you have underlying conditions.

Summary Table: COVID Sore Throat Remedies at a Glance

Remedy	How it Helps	Notes
Rest	Promotes immune recovery	Avoid overexertion
Fluids (Warm/Cold)	Moistens throat, soothes pain	Variety helps
Saltwater Gargle	Reduces inflammation	Gargle, don’t swallow
Humidifier/Steam	Makes air less drying	Use daily
OTC Pain Relief	Blocks pain, lowers fever	Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Lozenges	Numbs, coats throat	Avoid for young children
Ice Chips/Popsicles	Numbs pain	Good for all ages
Soft Foods	Easy to swallow	Avoid irritants

Final Thoughts: Managing COVID-19 Sore Throat Effectively

Most COVID-19 sore throats improve with supportive care, patience, and symptomatic management at home. Stay vigilant for warning signs, use safe remedies, and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if concerned. Easing your discomfort and supporting your body with self-care is the quickest road to recovery.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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