Here are some remedies that can soothe a sore throat:

• Keep your throat moist by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, tea, or broth. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.
• Gargle with salt water. Dissolve 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water and gargle every hour or two.
• Try throat lozenges or cough drops. These stimulate saliva production, which coats the throat and keeps it moist, easing sore throat pain on contact.
• Use a humidifier to keep the air moist and prevent dryness that can irritate the throat.
• Sip on warm drinks, like tea or chicken soup.
• Try honey, which has been known to soothe a sore throat, tame a nighttime cough, and speed up healing.
• Consider over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin, but dont give aspirin to young children.
• Rest your voice and get plenty of sleep.
• Avoid irritants like cigarette smoke and cleaning products that can irritate the throat.

If your sore throat is severe, doesnt feel better after a few days, or is accompanied by a high fever or swollen glands, contact a doctor. These symptoms could be signs of a bacterial infection, such as strep throat.