There is no specific treatment for viral pharyngitis. Self-care measures include gargling with warm salt water (one half-teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) several times a day, and taking anti-inflammatory drugs or medications such as acetaminophen, that control fever. Excessive use of antiinflammatory lozenges or sprays may actually make sore throat worse.
It is important to avoid using antibiotics when a sore throat is due to a viral infection, as the antibiotics will not help, and such use of antibiotics contributes to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
In some cases of sore throat (e.g., in infectious mononucleosis), the lymph nodes (glands) in the neck may become extremely swollen, and anti-inflammatory drugs such as prednisone may be needed to ease breathing and swallowing.
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