Sore Throat After COVID: Causes & How to Get Relief

Key takeaways:

• Sore throat following COVID-19 infection affects around one in three people, but its incidence is declining.
• A sore throat following COVID-19 typically improves with rest, home remedies, and over-the-counter medications.
• A throat specialist can provide long-term strategies for individuals with persistent symptoms.

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) is a respiratory illness that can range from mild to severe. More than half of those diagnosed with COVID-19 say they experienced a sore throat, which can last several days or weeks.

A sore throat may be the first symptom of infection, and it can persist long after other symptoms have improved. Other times, a sore throat after COVID-19 develops after days of postnasal drip or constant coughing. While most cases of COVID-19 and sore throat are mild, there is always a risk of serious complications.

Is it normal to have a sore throat after COVID-19?

COVID-19 can lead to a wide range of physical symptoms. At the onset of the illness, patients often experience a sore throat followed by nasal congestion, chest congestion, or fever. A sore throat usually lasts no longer than five days, but there are exceptions.

Some patients report having a sore throat for months after recovering from COVID-19, a condition that some healthcare providers refer to as a symptom of long COVID. It is estimated that one in three people infected with COVID-19 can develop long COVID, but the incidence is steadily declining.

Causes of a sore throat after COVID-19

Once the virus enters the body through the nose, mouth, or eyes, COVID-19 can alter the lining of the throat. You may experience throat soreness, discomfort, and dryness during and after your COVID-19 infection.

Inflammation

COVID-19 is known to cause inflammation, which may lead to a sore throat. Inflammation is a process in which your immune system fights against the virus and serves as a natural defense mechanism against the infection. You can often recognize inflammation by the pain or tenderness in your throat.

Allergies and throat sensitivity

COVID-19 can lead to a dry, sore, and tickly throat, which is often associated with persistent coughing. It may also signal sensitivity to environmental factors like strong smells, sprays, or cold weather.

Even if you've never had allergies to pollen or dust before, exposure to these allergens might result in a sore throat and heightened sensitivity. As a result, the sore throat may not be a genuine allergy but rather a temporary sensitivity of the throat.

Muscle strain

COVID-19 can lead to excessive throat dryness and coughing, which may cause muscle strain when swallowing or breathing. As a result, your muscles might feel overworked, causing a sore throat. The best way to alleviate this soreness from muscle strain is to rest your throat muscles.

Acid reflux

COVID-19 can worsen existing acid reflux or even cause new symptoms due to the anxiety and stress linked to the infection.

Acid reflux often irritates the throat, leading to a hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, and soreness. You might also feel a sensation of a lump in your throat from acid reflux, which can make a sore throat feel worse. Fortunately, there are medications available to help alleviate acid reflux.

How to get at-home relief from a sore throat after COVID-19

A sore throat after COVID-19 can improve with increased fluid intake, ample rest, and other at-home treatments.

Hydration

Drinking plenty of liquids can help soothe a sore throat. Many healthcare providers recommend taking small sips of water or other clear liquids throughout the day to relieve throat discomfort after COVID-19.

Some people believe that pineapple and papaya juice helps thin mucus in the throat due to the presence of special enzymes called bromelain and papain.

Saltwater rinses and warm or cold liquids

To relieve a sore throat after COVID, mix ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and use it as a rinse or gargle.

Warm liquids, such as soup, broth, or caffeine-free beverages, can also provide comfort during recovery. Ice and popsicles may help soothe your throat, but be cautious with dairy products, as they can thicken mucus and worsen symptoms.

Throat lozenges, hard candies, and sprays

Keeping your throat moist will likely help relieve your post-COVID-19 sore throat. You can use throat lozenges, sugar-free candies, or over-the-counter sprays.

Many of these products contain menthol, which may help reduce throat inflammation. However, it's essential to note that while throat lozenges and sprays can provide temporary relief, they do not cure sore throats.

Pain relievers

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Tylenol, ibuprofen, and naproxen, can help soothe your sore throat. It's important to note that while they provide relief, they do not cure the underlying infection.

Rest

Getting plenty of rest after a COVID-19 infection includes resting your voice. If at all possible, you should avoid shouting, long conversations, and public speaking.

Since it's often difficult to stop talking completely, your doctor may suggest responding with simple "yes" or "no" answers to minimize voice use. Additionally, avoid whispering, as it can strain your voice rather than protect it.

Honey

Honey has natural properties that include anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and cough-suppressing effects. It can help alleviate a sore throat after COVID-19. However, honey should not be given to young children due to the risk of bacteria that can cause infant botulism.

Avoid irritants

To aid your recovery after COVID-19, avoid cigarette smoke, vapes, cleaning products, bleach, ammonia, and other harsh chemicals. These irritants can aggravate a sore throat and hinder healing. Steering clear of them allows your throat's inflammation to heal naturally.

Other treatment options for a sore throat after COVID-19

Home remedies can be beneficial, but there are other strategies to alleviate a sore throat caused by COVID-19. In addition to easing your sore throat, these treatment options may help speed up your overall recovery. Many of these methods can address other symptoms of COVID-19, and not just sore throat.

Reduce throat tightness

A sore throat after COVID-19 may result from tightness in the throat or muscle strain. Pretending to chew or suppressing a yawn can help strengthen your throat muscles and improve soreness. Additionally, stretching your jaw may relieve some of the muscle strain.

Loosen or reduce mucus

The inflammation in your throat will decrease if you swallow better without thick mucus. There are several methods to loosen or reduce mucus after experiencing a sore throat due to COVID-19.

These methods include:

• Humidification using steam, such as in a hot shower or by enjoying hot soup or beverages
• Limiting or avoiding dairy products, which may thicken mucus
• Over-the-counter expectorants and cough suppressants such as guaifenesin and dextromethorphan

Nasal sprays

Using saline or steroid nasal sprays or drops can help relieve post-nasal drip and congestion. Thinning the mucus can often help alleviate your sore throat following COVID-19.

Anti-reflux medicines

COVID can cause acid reflux symptoms, such as heartburn, throat soreness or burning, coughing, and hoarseness. Anti-reflux medications can help eliminate throat irritation and relieve soreness after COVID.

These medicines include:

• Antacids
• Proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole and esomeprazole
• H2-receptor antagonists such as famotidine and cimetidine
• Promotility agents such as metoclopramide

Avoid citrus and spicy foods

Avoiding citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, limes, and grapefruits can help relieve sore throat after contracting COVID-19. Spicy foods should also be avoided. However, chili peppers that contain capsaicin can actually help break up thick mucus and provide relief for sore throats and coughs following COVID-19.

When you should see a doctor for a sore throat after COVID

After recovering from COVID-19, your sore throat should improve with time, particularly if you were in the hospital and needed a breathing tube.

You should see a doctor if you experience:

• Worsening sore throat and pain.
• High fever.
• Neck swelling or drainage.
• Worsening hoarseness or loss of voice.
• Maroon-colored stools or blood in stools.

You should go to the emergency room if you have:

• Trouble breathing or are making unusual sounds when breathing.
• Chest pain and irregular heartbeat.
• Abdominal pain.
• Blood in vomit.
• Maroon-covered stools or blood in stools.

Questions to ask your doctor about a sore throat after COVID-19

• When will my sore throat after COVID-19 go away?
• What is the best diet for my sore throat after COVID-19?
• Are there any serious complications from having a sore throat after COVID-19?
• Will the sore throat after COVID-19 cause long-term damage to my throat and voice?

Frequently asked questions: sore throat after COVID-19

Many patients are curious about their sore throats following COVID-19, as the severity can vary from person to person. Here are some more insights and commonly asked questions that may help you understand your symptoms.

What if your sore throat lasts weeks after a COVID-19 diagnosis?

A sore throat after a COVID-19 infection can last for weeks due to several factors. The virus may cause prolonged inflammation in the throat. Other COVID-19 symptoms, such as cough, nasal congestion, postnasal drainage, acid reflux, and throat swelling, can also prolong your sore throat. If you have questions or concerns about your sore throat following a COVID-19 infection, it is best to consult a medical professional.

Is there any way to prevent a lingering sore throat after COVID-19?

Taking good care of yourself is essential for recovering from COVID-19. While it might not be possible to completely prevent a lingering sore throat after the illness, there are several ways to find relief and support your throat's natural healing. It is common to experience voice changes or difficulty swallowing for up to three months after COVID-19. If your sore throat persists, your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or a speech therapist.

Final thoughts

A sore throat following COVID-19 is becoming less common, but many people still experience it. Various home remedies and medications can help your throat heal naturally. If you experience a sore throat for several months after COVID-19, consulting a throat specialist may provide you with more guidance on how to improve your condition.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Marjorie Bravard, MD.

Sources

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Davis, H.E., McCorkell, L., Vogel, J.M. et al. Long COVID: major findings, mechanisms and recommendations. Nat Rev Microbiol 21, 133–146 (2023), https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-022-00846-2.

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