Kids throughout the valley are back to school and given a few weeks the usual sore throats will occur. Sore throats are common with most illnesses, luckily most resolve on their own within a few days. A few environmental causes are allergies, dryness (especially in heated homes during the winter), acid reflux, irritants (e.g. pollution and smoking) and, muscle strain (from yelling or talking loudly).
Colds and flu are usually accompanied by a viral sore throat that can be treated with these over the counter remedies:
- Drink plenty of fluids, avoiding caffeine as it tends to dehydrate.
- Ibuprofen or Tylenol as directed for your age.
- Try warm tea with honey, chicken or vegetable broth, or cold treats like popsicles.
- Gargle with warm salt water (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon) in 8 oz of water. Spit out the solution, do not swallow.
- Lozenges or hard candies can also ease swallowing discomfort but children under 4 shouldn’t due to choking risk.
- Use a humidifier in your home and clean it regularly.
The best way to avoid sore throats is to prevent your exposure to the germs that cause them in the first place:
- Wash your hands frequently while out in public
- Avoid direct contact with people who are sick
- Use an alcohol-based sanitizer
- Cough and sneeze into a tissue or elbow when necessary
- Don’t share food or drinks
- Clean your cellphone regularly
Please call one of Star Valley Health’s clinics for an appointment if you have a sore throat along with these other symptoms
- Fever of more than 101
- Difficulty swallowing, breathing or opening mouth
- Nausea
- Body aches
- Earache
- Rash
- Hoarseness lasting 10 days or more
- Lump in your neck
Afton Clinic: 307-885-5852 and Afton Urgent Care: 307-885-5700
Thayne Clinic: 307-883-5852
Alpine Clinic: 307-654-5852 and Alpine Urgent Care: 307-654-5700
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