Remedies can cure sore throat

Having a sore throat is recognised as an early indicator of Covid but it might not be as serious as that. Prudence Wade talks to a medic about steps you can take to feel a little better

A SORE throat could be the main symptom of coronavirus.

The Zoe Covid study collated the top 20 symptoms reported in the last week by 17,500 people who tested positive, with 58 per cent reporting a sore throat.

A headache came next (49 per cent), followed by a blocked nose, a cough with no phlegm and a runny nose (all at 40 per cent).

It feels different from the start of the pandemic, when symptoms such as a fever and a loss of smell were seen as some of the most characteristic signs of Covid.

Professor Tim Spector, Zoe scientific co-founder and lead scientist on the Zoe Health Study, said: “Covid is still rampant in the population. Zoe Health Study data shows there were over 350,000 daily Covid cases this week – a new record for the UK.

“If you have any cold-like symptoms at the moment it’s nearly twice as likely to be Covid as a cold.

“Even if people have had a past infection and are fully vaccinated, they are still catching it.”

If you don’t have Covid, a sore throat can strike at any time.

Perhaps you’ve come down with a cold, or been overexerting your throat at a festival.

If it progresses to anything worse and you have concerns, consult your GP.

So, is there anything you can do at home to ease a sore throat?

GARGLE SALT WATER THEN SPIT IT OUT

“Salt water is a simple home remedy anyone can try,” advised Dr Deborah Lee of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy (doctorfox.co.uk).

“Mix one teaspoon of salt with a few inches of warm water, stir to dissolve and gargle slowly. Try and keep the salt water in contact with the sore area for as long as you can, as the salt has a local anti-inflammatory action.”

SUCK ICE CUBES, ICE LOLLIES OR ICE CREAM

“Lowering the body temperature has been shown in many medical studies to reduce inflammation,” said Dr Lee. “The effect of the cold lowers the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (chemical messengers that give the signals for inflammation) and other inflammatory markers. Less inflammation means less discomfort.”

HAVE SOME HONEY

Dr Lee cites a 2020 review of 14 clinical studies which “concluded that honey is useful in treating symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections”. She said: “Honey has been shown to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. It also works as an anti-inflammatory and is a powerful antioxidant. “Mix two teaspoons of honey with hot water, stir to dissolve and sip it slowly. Or you can mix it with lemon juice, to also give a boost of vitamin C.”

TAKE A HOT SHOWER

This might not be the most appealing thing to do in warmer weather but it could help ease your sore throat. Dr Lee said cranking up the temperature of your shower “helps moisturise the throat and nasal passages through inhalation of the steam”. She added: “If your throat is dry, this causes evaporation of water from the mouth and throat and makes your throat feel scratchy and irritating. “Humidified air, such as steam, can be very soothing. “You may want to humidify the house too, which you can do simply by positioning bowls of water around the room, especially on or near radiators.”

TRY MENTHOL THROAT LOZENGES

If you have any menthol throat lozenges knocking about, now is the time to dig them out.

“Menthol is made by combining eucalyptus and peppermint oils, and can soothe a sore throat and help reduce a cough,” said Dr Lee. “It works by desensitising specific pain receptors in the back of the throat, resulting in numbness.”