If you have
strep throat, extra fluids for the body and increased
moisture in the air (humidity) will keep the throat moist and help keep mucus
thin.
To increase moisture in the body:
- Drink at least one glass of fluid [8 fl oz (236.59 mL)] every hour (less for
children, according to their size) when awake. Good choices include water with
or without lemon juice; warm tea with honey; broth; and fruit juices (unless
they irritate your throat).
- Gargle once every 2 to 3 hours with
warm salt water [1 tsp (5 g) in
8 fl oz (236.59 mL) of water].
- Use
saline nose drops to moisten the inside of your nose.
- Suck on cough drops, hard candy, or frozen treats such as Popsicles to help relieve the sore throat.
To increase moisture in the air:
- Humidify your home, especially the bedroom, using
a vaporizer or humidifier. However, use care if a person in the home has asthma
or allergies, because mold and other particles that collect in the humidifier can
make these conditions worse. Clean the humidifier often.
- Take frequent,
steamy showers.
- Drape a towel over your head and breathe the steam
from a pan or sink of hot water. Be careful to avoid burns from the hot water
or steam.
