Understanding Sore Throat -- Prevention
How Can I Prevent a Sore Throat?
How Can I Prevent a Sore Throat?
If you tend to get recurrent sore throats, replace your toothbrush every month -- germs can collect on the bristles. Also, be sure to toss an old toothbrush once you've recovered from a sore throat to avoid reinfecting yourself.
Get to the Bottom of Your Sore Throat
As a symptom of illness, sore throat rivals fatigue for being both commonplace and a potential sign of catastrophe. Usually, having a sore throat is nothing to worry about -- most are caused by cold and flu germs. In rare cases, however, a sore throat can signal something much more serious. One of the first symptoms of infection caused by the dreaded ebola virus, for example, is a sore throat. And strep bacteria, a common cause of sore throat, especially in children, can spread like wildfire...
Read the Get to the Bottom of Your Sore Throat article > >
If you smoke, stop. Nonsmokers should avoid second-hand smoke.
To avoid colds and flu that often bring on sore throats, stay away from people with upper respiratory infections, wash your hands frequently and keep hands away from your eyes and face, eat a healthy diet, get plenty of rest, and drink lots of fluid to help your body ward off disease.
One cause of sore throat, especially in the winter, is influenza virus. The CDC recommends that everyone older than 6 months get a flu vaccine to prevent this infection every year.
If you suffer from seasonal or year-round allergies you may be prone to more frequent sore throats. Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) may also make you susceptible to frequent sore throats. Proper treatment for these ailments can usually reduce the frequency of sore throats, so talk to your doctor.
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