Don't give aspirin to children or teens because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. Rest your voice. Humidify the air. Saline nasal sprays are also helpful. Avoid smoke and other air pollutants.
Smoke irritates a sore throat.
Stop smoking, and avoid all smoke and fumes from household cleaners or paint. Keep children away from secondhand smoke exposure. Keep your hands away from your face to avoid getting bacteria and viruses into your mouth or nose. Serious throat infections, such as epiglottitis, can cause swelling that closes your airway. If your sore throat may be caused by strep a throat culture can determine the presence of the bacteria.