If you feel a sore throat starting, this is usually a sign of a viral infection. To minimize symptoms, cool liquids/ice chips are quite helpful, although some people prefer warmer liquids. Gargling with salt water can also help. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help, as can numbing lozenges like Ricola or Cepacol.

Some individuals feel that “herbal” remedies such as zinc (zicam), high dose vitamin C, echinacea or Airborne reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, but their effectiveness is controversial.

Finally, if there is a tendency for sore throats to persist or turn into secondary bacterial infections, using nasal saline (salt water) and trying guaifenisin (Mucinex or Robitussin) may help as well.