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module menu icon Self-care advice

Self-care advice

  • Advise regular use of paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain and fever – a raised temperature should settle in 36-48 hours
  • Encourage adequate fluid intake to avoid dehydration if fever is present 
  • Provide advice regarding food and drink to avoid exacerbating pain (e.g. avoid hot drinks and stick to warm or cold fluids)
  • Adults or older children may find sucking throat lozenges, hard boiled sweets, ice, or flavoured frozen desserts (such as ice lollies) provide additional symptomatic relief
  • Gargling with warm salty water at frequent intervals can help soothe the throat until the discomfort and swelling subside (not advised for children)
  • Not smoking and staying away from smoky environments will prevent further irritation of the throat