health

Treatment of a sore throat depends on the diagnosis. If it stems from a
common cold caused by a virus, treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms
until the illness disappears. Drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent
dehydration* and clear out mucus* in the back of the throat. Water, ginger
ale, warm tea with honey, and clear soups are good choices, but not
acidic juices (such as lemonade or orange juice), because they can irritate
the throat. Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat,
and over-the-counter pain relievers and throat drops can help ease symptoms
as well. Antibiotics are not effective for treating viral infections such
as colds. Most viral sore throats go away on their own without complications,
and they generally clear up within a few days to a week.
The best treatment for infectious mononucleosis is rest. In addition,
over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen* can help relieve
pain and fever. Studies have shown that one type of antiviral medication
(valacyclovir) may be useful in reducing the severity of symptoms. Severe
cases of infectious mononucleosis may benefit from the administration of
corticosteroids* to reduce swelling and inflammation. Infectious mononucleosis
can take from one to two months to subside, and other symptoms
from the illness, such as tiredness, can remain for months after.