What should you know about Vicks for sore throat?

A sore throat may accompany a common cold, influenza or COVID-19. Allergic rhinitis can cause drainage and irritation, while acid reflux can irritate the throat without an infection. Tonsillitis, strep throat and glandular fever can cause more marked pain or difficulty swallowing. A rub on the neck cannot reach the throat lining, remove bacteria or prevent these causes from progressing.

Use Vicks only as directed on the label and keep it away from the mouth, eyes and broken skin. Warm or cool drinks, soft foods, rest and adequate fluids may make swallowing easier. Avoid smoke and other irritants. Do not give unsuitable lozenges or medicines to children, and do not use leftover antibiotics. A pharmacist or clinician can advise on age-appropriate pain relief.

Get urgent help if you cannot swallow saliva, have trouble breathing, develop a muffled voice, severe one-sided swelling, or become confused or very weak. Arrange medical review for persistent high fever, a rash, swollen neck glands with significant illness, dehydration, or symptoms that keep worsening. Testing may be needed when strep throat or another specific infection is suspected.

Ask whether the throat needs examination or testing, which pain relief is suitable, and whether reflux or nasal drainage could be contributing. Ask what changes should prompt urgent reassessment and whether anyone at home should take infection precautions.