Sore Throat on Holiday
The last thing you want on holiday is to be slowed down by a sore throat. You’re busy soaking up new sights, enjoying delicious food, and making memories. Suddenly, throat pain hits out of nowhere.
Dealing with a sore throat away from home is different. Back home, you know what remedies work, where to go, and who to call if it gets worse. In a foreign country, even a simple sore throat can turn your dream vacation into a stressful experience.
The good news? There are plenty of ways to feel better quickly, so you can get back to enjoying your trip.
Is it normal to get a sore throat on holiday?
Yes, it’s completely normal to get a sore throat on holiday. Traveling exposes you to new environments, weather changes, and different air quality, all of which can lead to throat inflammation.
Air conditioning in planes, hotels, and cars can also dry out your throat, making irritation more likely. Another cause for getting ill on holiday is exposure to contagious viruses and bacteria.
Being in crowded places like airports or tourist spots can expose you to viral infections, such as pharyngitis, through droplets in the air or contact with contaminated surfaces, leading to a sore throat.
Additionally, changes in your daily routine, such as disrupted sleep can weaken your immune system, making you more prone to infections.
Sore throat from air conditioning and other causes
Air conditioning is another common cause of sore throats during holidays, especially on flights or in hotel rooms.
The cold, dry air can irritate your throat, making it feel scratchy or even painful. But air conditioning isn’t the only cause.
Other triggers may include:
- Allergies: Hotel rooms may harbor allergens like dust mites or mold, which can trigger a sore throat in sensitive people.
- Poor air quality: Smoking or exposure to cigarette smoke or polluted air can irritate the throat causing a sore throat.
- Infections: Traveling can expose you to new bacteria and viruses, increasing your risk of an upper respiratory infection or sinus infection, both of which can lead to sore throats.
- Voice strain: Loud talking or cheering during vacation activities can strain your voice, resulting in a sore throat.
- Seasonal changes: Moving between different climates can confuse your body, triggering cold and flu symptoms, including a sore throat.
What kills a sore throat fast overnight?
While there’s no guaranteed overnight cure to get rid of a sore throat quickly, the last thing you want on holiday is to be stuck in bed with a sore throat.
So, here are some quick fixes that can help you get back to enjoying your trip:
Sore throat remedies
Common sore throat home treatments include:
Warm tea with honey
This classic remedy can provide immediate throat pain relief. Honey’s antibacterial properties may help reduce throat inflammation while soothing irritation.
Saltwater gargle
Gargling with warm salt water helps reduce swelling and clear bacteria in the throat. Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle several times a day for the best results.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids, especially warm liquids like broths or herbal teas with ginger, keeps your throat moist and reduces irritation. Staying hydrated is key to healing.
Use menthol for relief
Apply a menthol ointment like Vicks VapoRub on your throat or try steam inhalation with herbs like eucalyptus to ease congestion and soothe your throat.
Throat lozenges
Lozenges provide temporary relief by stimulating saliva production, which keeps your throat moist. Choose lozenges with soothing ingredients like menthol or curcumin for added comfort.
Medicine for sore throat
If home remedies aren’t providing enough relief, you can try several over-the-counter (OTC) medications:
- Pain medication: Pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol can reduce throat discomfort and inflammation. Ibuprofen is a good choice if you have additional symptoms like muscle aches or headaches.
- Throat sprays: Medicated throat sprays can numb the throat and provide quick relief, though the effects are temporary.
- Antibiotics: Only necessary if your sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection, such as strep throat. Always consult a doctor before starting an antibiotic.
When to go to the doctor for a sore throat?
A sore throat often clears up on its own within 1-2 weeks, but there are times when you should seek medical attention, especially if you get a cold on holiday.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention, as they could indicate a more serious condition like strep throat.
- persistent pain lasting more than a few days
- high fever accompanying the sore throat
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
- swollen glands in your neck or jaw
- a rash accompanying your sore throat
- white spots or pus on your tonsils (common in strep throat)
Doctorsa online doctor
Finding a doctor while on holiday can be challenging, but Doctorsa makes it easy.
With a quick online consultation, you can receive professional medical advice 24/7 without leaving your hotel room and the cost is often lower than in-person visits.
Hugh, one of Doctorsa patient shares:
“I have visited clinicas in Spain once before and whilst the service was, as always, excellent, the price was high. Doctorsa delivered a high quality service to me at a fraction of the price. Meds dispensed and the ability to ask follow up questions for 7 days put me at ease.”
This convenience allows you to spend less time worrying and more time enjoying your vacation.
Other ways to see a doctor for a sore throat
If you’re looking for alternative ways to see a doctor for a sore throat, here are a few options:
Local clinic vs. online doctor
“I was struggling to get an appointment in hospital but thanks to doctorsa. I am very happy now I have doctors prescription and can buy medicine. “ – Subendra
While local clinics offer face-to-face consultations, they can be challenging to find in a foreign country.
Language barriers may also complicate things, as it can be difficult to find a doctor who speaks English.
But with Doctorsa, you can connect with an English-speaking doctor from the comfort of your accommodation, avoiding long wait times and ensuring clear communication.
“Best medical service I’ve used. Was easy to use and the doctor was friendly, spoke English well and was able to provide an accurate prescription quickly for my son’s condition.” – Zara
Using your insurance
Many travel insurance plans cover medical visits, but navigating the process of finding a healthcare provider, getting approval, and filing a claim can be quite hectic.
“I had travel insurance with Allianz but I got so frustrated that I just called doctorsa and they were great. I even told other American Camino Pilgrims on our facebook page to use your site. I had a great quick experience.” – Susan
If you’re uninsured or simply fed up with the hassle of using your insurance, but need to see a doctor the same day, Doctorsa can make it easy.
Some of the services offered include:
- Quick medical assistance for common medical issues
- Urgent care visits with fast booking
- Pocket-friendly healthcare starting from €20
- 24/7 access to English-speaking doctors
- Free 7-day follow-up with your doctor
Doctorsa provides a seamless way to get the care you need while traveling, without the usual chaos.
Asking your airbnb host or concierge
Your hotel concierge or Airbnb host may also provide a list of general doctors who can visit you at your accommodation.
While convenient, these house calls can be quite expensive because doctors add extra charges for personal visits.
To simplify the process, consider using Doctorsa. When booking online, you can choose the home visit option, and there’s no need to worry about unexpected costs.
Doctorsa makes everything clear by showing all fees upfront, so there are no hidden charges.
Plus, you can also read verified reviews from other travelers, giving you peace of mind as you receive the care you need.
Visiting a pharmacy
When you’re on holiday and develop a sore throat, visiting a local pharmacy can be a quick and convenient option.
Pharmacists can offer advice and recommend over-the-counter treatments to help soothe your symptoms.
In some cases, they may suggest seeing a doctor, especially if your sore throat persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever or difficulty swallowing.
If you’re unsure where to find a pharmacy or need to consult with a primary care doctor, Doctorsa can help you get the care you need without the stress.
Here’s what Jennifer from Spain shared about her experience with Doctorsa on Trustpilot:
“The appointment was virtual and I got an appointment very quickly. There was plenty of information about the doctors that I could choose from.i received a prescription to my phone and easily had it filled out at the chemist. The price was excellent also. So I’m on the way to good health.” – Jennifer
Final thoughts
Dealing with a sore throat on holiday can be stressful, but with the right steps, you’ll be back to enjoying your trip in no time.
Whether you choose home remedies, over-the-counter meds, or a quick online consultation with Doctorsa, you’re covered.
Just remember to stay hydrated, rest up, and seek help if needed for a speedy recovery!
Sources
Common colds: Learn More – Relief for a stuffy nose, cough and sore throat. (2023). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279542/
Garbarino S, et al. (2021). Role of sleep deprivation in immune-related disease risk and outcomes. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8602722/
Lovey T, et al. (2023). Travel-related respiratory symptoms and infections in travellers (2000–22): A systematic review and meta-analysis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10481419/
Sore throat basics. (2024). https://www.cdc.gov/sore-throat/about/index.html
Zinc? honey? ginger? What actually helps when you have a cold or the flu?. (2023). https://www.nytimes.com/article/flu-cold-home-remedies.html
