A sore throat is mostly a painful, dry, itchy feeling in the back of the throat. Sore throat can be caused by viruses, bacteria or due to allergens. The most common cause of sore throat is viral infection. Viral sore throats are often accompanied by other symptoms that may include a cold, runny nose, cough, red or watery eyes, and sneezing.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory disease. This infection resides in the upper respiratory tract restricting to nose, mouth, throat and lungs. Its symptoms are similar to any sore throat infection or allergen triggered irritation. COVID -19 too belongs to the SARS virus family having symptoms similar to SARS.

Following are a few gargles which help soothe sore throat:

• Warm Salt Water Gargles.
• Betadine Gargles.
• Chlorhexidine Mouthwash.
• Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash.

Warm Salt Water Gargles

Saltwater gargling is most ancient, cheap, safe and effective medicinal rinse. These gargles ease pain and relieve symptoms from conditions that affect the mouth and throat. Studies also found that people who gargled with simple salt solution three times a day had a 40% decrease in upper respiratory tract infections.

To make saltwater rinse, add ½ a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. Any salt can be used for salt water gargling, if you are using coarse sea or himalayan salt over iodized salt make sure it dissolves completely .

Gargle two to four times a day, depending on how bad your symptoms are. It is important to drink lots of water and not to swallow the saltwater, as salt can be dehydrating.

Betadine Gargles

The active ingredient in Betadine gargle is povidone‐ iodine, it is effective against many types of viruses, bacteria and has a broader anti‐viral spectrum than other commercially available antiseptics. Sore throat is often a viral respiratory infection, betadine gargles is effective in these cases.

Betadine gargle must be diluted before use. Dilute 1mL betadine to 20mL with water or by prescribed dilution gargle for 30 seconds

Betadine is generally safe for daily use for up to 1-2 week or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use for more than 14 days without prescription.

Chlorhexidine Mouthwash

Chlorhexidine belongs to a class of drugs effective against various types of bacterial and fungal infection. However recent studies have found out that chlorhexidine mouthwash can reduce viral load in the saliva of a patient suffering from Sars-Cov-2 viral infection and thus reduce the spread of infection which occurs thru saliva. The viral load decreases for 2 hrs. after the use of mouthwash but gradually increase after 2-4 hours.

Suspected individuals, travellers or working people from the family going out every day to work and cannot wear masks at home can prevent their family members from getting affected by using this mouthwash as soon as they come home. People going out for events/gatherings/ meetings or on flights should be mandated the use of this mouth after every 2 hours.

It is recommended to use of 10 ml of 0.2% Chlorhexidine mouthwash for 30 seconds to reduce the viral load in the saliva for 2 hours, thereby reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Hydrogen Peroxide:

Hydrogen peroxide rinse is a mild antiseptic used in the mouth to help relieve minor mouth irritation. It acts by releasing oxygen molecules which help in disrupting various microbial growths.

Use of 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide is advisable anything stronger is likely to cause irritation. The hydrogen peroxide may cause some foaming in the mouth, which is normal.

Mix one part of hydrogen peroxide with two parts water. Gargle and swish the solution all around the mouth for 60 seconds and spit the solution out after gargling.

Use of hydrogen peroxide mouthwash should be done only under physician’s prescription.

Gargling tips:

• Always use a cup or a glass to take the mouthwash.
• Put a small amount of the gargling liquid in your mouth, swish it around in your mouth and then start gargling.
• Tilt your head back, and without swallowing the liquid, try to open your mouth and make the “ahhh” sound.
• Keep the small flap in the back of your throat closed so that none of the liquid gets accidentally swallowed. Gargle for 30 secs, use a timer if required.
• Gargling may take a bit of time to get used to, but when done correctly, the vibrations in the back of your mouth will cause the gargling liquid to move about, almost as if a liquid was boiling
• Gargling will coat the back of the mouth and throat with whatever liquid you choose, by eliminating the microbial activity and soothing the sore throat.
• Avoid drinking water / any beverage half an hour post gargling for maximum benefit.
• Gargling should be as a precautionary and or adjunct to medication under physician’s observation.