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Student Health Services

Sore and Scratchy Throat

Throat pain can be caused by a virus, by dry air in the room, nasal congestion and post nasal drip, or, if more severe, by streptococcal bacteria. It can also be an early indication of mononucleosis (mono).

If you have a sore throat:

  • Drink lots of fluids, staying away from acidic things such as orange juice and tomato juice.
  • Gargle with salt water every 3-4 hours (1 tsp. salt in 8 oz. of warm water).
  • Use throat lozenges or hard candy.
  • Take an analgesic such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) every four hours as needed.

Seek medical attention if:

  • Throat pain increases over 48-72 hours.
  • Throat pain persists longer than 72 hours.
  • Large / painful lymph nodes develop.
  • Sudden onset of fever greater than 101 .

You may be placed on an antibiotic if you have a throat culture done that indicates you have a sore throat caused by the streptococcal bacteria. The vast majority of sore throats are caused by a virus and antibiotics are not indicated. These sore throats will resolve by themselves over time.