‘Tis the season for colds, the flu, and a variety of other
unpleasant illnesses. Along with those illnesses often comes something called
pharyngitis. Before you can manage your pharyngitis symptoms, it’s important to
understand what exactly it is and what may be causing it.

What is Pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis is a type of sore throat caused by the swelling
of your mucus membranes along the back of your throat. In other words, when
your body produces extra mucus and it drains down your throat, inflammation and
pain occur. Pharyngitis can be caused by a variety of things including:

• The common cold
• The flu
• Allergies
• Dry air
• Strep throat
• Tonsillitis
• Mono
• And more

Treat your pharyngitis symptoms
using throat lozenges, throat spray, hot tea or water with lemon and honey, and
plenty of rest. Home remedies are often all you need to clear up pharyngitis
symptoms, but if your symptoms don’t improve or if you suffer from chronic
pharyngitis, seek treatment right away.

How Can You Prevent Pharyngitis?

The best way to prevent pharyngitis is to avoid illness and
keep allergens or irritation to a minimum. Avoid illness by washing your hands
regularly. Each hand washing session should include 20 seconds of lathering the
entire hand, that means between fingers too! You can lower your risk of the flu
by over 80% by getting your flu vaccine each year. It’s ideal to get your flu
vaccine at the start of the winter season, but it’s still effective even if you
get it later in the season. Allergies that cause pharyngitis may be managed
with an over the counter or prescription antihistamine medication. If your
pharyngitis is caused by irritating dry air, try running a humidifier in your
home. This adds moisture to the air, making it easier to breathe.

When to Visit Urgent Care

Visit your local urgent care center if your pharyngitis
symptoms persist or worsen after trying home remedies. If your pharyngitis is
being caused by a bacterial infection, you may need prescription antibiotics
before your symptoms will clear. Your local urgent care center can also assist
you in preventing pharyngitis symptoms caused by the flu by providing you with
a flu shot. Even though it’s already winter, it isn’t too late to get your flu
shot!

Look online to find your nearest urgent care
center so you know where to get help if and when you need it.