Sore throat

To soothe a sore throat, it can help to gargle with warm, salty water (not suitable for children), drink plenty of water, and eat cool or soft foods.

You can get medicines from a pharmacy that may help with a sore throat, such as painkillers, medicated lozenges or anaesthetic sprays.

Sore throat symptoms include pain when swallowing, a dry, scratchy throat, bad breath and redness in the back of your mouth.

Most sore throats are caused by viruses like cold or flu. Smoking can also cause them. Sometimes they’re caused by other conditions like tonsillitis.

Sore throats are not usually serious and get better by themselves within a week. You can usually treat them at home.