Sore throats are common. They usually heal on their own and don't cause any other problems. Use these instructions to care for your child at home.

• If your child needs medicine for pain, give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (such as Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand). Follow the directions on the label. Do not give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months old.
• Do not give aspirin to your child or teen. It can lead to serious medical problems.
• Offer your child plenty of warm or cold liquids to drink.
• For kids 4 years and older, you can give a hard candy or a lozenge. Kids can choke on these, so only give them to kids when they are awake and sitting up.
• If your child is over 6 years old, try a saltwater gargle. Mix ¼ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and have your child gargle 4–6 times a day.
• Offer your child soft foods that are easy to swallow. Avoid salty, spicy, crunchy, or acidic foods (like citrus fruits), which can irritate a sore throat.
• Let your child rest as needed.
• Follow up with your health care provider as instructed.

Your child:

• has throat pain that gets worse
• has a new or higher fever
• develops a rash
• can't drink liquids
• has any of these signs of dehydration:
  • a dry or sticky mouth
  • peeing less
  • no tears when crying
  • dizziness or drowsiness

Your child:

• has trouble swallowing or breathing
• starts drooling

What causes a sore throat? Viruses cause most sore throats. Other causes include bacteria, repeated coughing or vomiting, allergies, and secondhand smoke.

What is a throat culture? A throat culture is a test that looks for group A streptococcus (also called strep) bacteria. Depending on a child's symptoms, the health care provider might do a throat culture, but it's not always needed. Results from a "rapid" strep test are ready right away, while results from a regular culture take 2–3 days.

Do all sore throats need treatment? A sore throat caused by a virus will get better on its own in 4–5 days. A sore throat caused by bacteria (for example, strep throat) is treated with antibiotics. A sore throat from vomiting or allergies may need other treatment.

Can a sore throat be contagious? A sore throat caused by a virus or bacteria is contagious. To prevent the spread, kids (and adults) should:

• Wash their hands well and often with soap and water. Scrub for at least 20 seconds, rinse, and dry thoroughly. If soap and water aren't available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid sharing food, drinks, dishes, eating utensils, napkins, or towels with others. Wash dishes in hot, soapy water.
• Cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then throw it away and wash their hands. If a tissue isn't available, sneeze or cough into their elbow or upper arm, not their hands.