6 Ways to Avoid Strep When a Sore Throat Comes On

Is your throat feeling scratchy? Whether it’s Covid-19 or something else, you want to try to head off a sore throat before it feels like it’s on fire. 

Board-certified otolaryngologist Dr. Nilesh Patel specializes in ear, nose, and throat infections and disorders in Midtown, New York City. Dr. Patel administers a step test to determine if you have a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics. Thankfully, most sore throats are caused by a virus. Antibiotics won’t help, but there are several soothing remedies. 

In the meantime, here are six steps you can take if you feel a scratchy throat coming on. 

1. Focus on personal hygiene

Keep washing your hands if your throat feels irritated. Always wash your hands before handling any food and when using the bathroom — two prime examples of places bacteria can enter your system. 

Try to keep your hands from your face. Research shows that the average person touches their face about 23 times per hour, creating ample opportunity for infection. 

2. Gargle with salt water 

Gargling with salt water pulls liquids to the surface of your mouth, gathering any cells containing a virus or bacteria along with it. Salt, which is sodium chloride, has antibacterial elements, too. The salt pulls water out of cells that contain bacteria. Dehydrating the cells helps stop them from multiplying. 

After you’ve gargled, you may spit up yellow or green mucus. Your body is actively ridding itself of the virus or bacteria. 

3. Soothe through hydration 

Keep water handy and drink frequently. When you’re dehydrated, your body doesn’t produce enough saliva to keep your throat from becoming too dry, which worsens inflammation. Tea with lemon and honey can soothe your throat. Green tea is especially rich in antioxidants. Sucking on lozenges can also help. 

4. Use a humidifier 

When you have a sore throat, the mucous membranes in your throat are irritated. Moisture helps hydrate your throat and makes it feel better. Breathing in moist air also helps open clogged nasal passages. 

5. Don’t smoke or use tobacco

The chemicals in tobacco products are harmful to your body. Smokers often complain of throat irritation, which may eventually result in cancer. Smoking also weakens your immune system. If you ever have surgery, you’ll be required to stop smoking beforehand to ensure your immune system is up to the task of helping you heal and recover after your procedure. 

6. Get plenty of rest 

If your throat feels scratchy, pay attention to this signal from your body. Get plenty of rest to helps restore your immune system, and increase that support through healthy eating, avoiding processed snack food with few nutrients. 

For specialized treatment of any ear, nose, or throat disorder, call the office of Nilesh Patel, MD, in Midtown, New York City, today, or request an appointment through our online portal at your convenience.