Fall Sore Throats: What’s Causing Yours?

As the weather cools down, sore throats become a common complaint. But not every sore throat has the same cause—or the same solution. At 45 Urgent Care in Jackson, TN, we want to help you understand why your throat might be feeling scratchy and how you can find relief.

Common Causes of Sore Throats in Fall

• Seasonal allergies – Dust, mold, and ragweed can cause irritation.
• Post-nasal drip – Mucus draining from sinuses often leads to throat soreness.
• Dry indoor air – Heaters can dry out your throat and nasal passages.
• Viral infections – Colds and flu are prime culprits.
• Bacterial infections – Strep throat requires medical testing and treatment.

At-Home Sore Throat Relief

There are tried-and-true methods like warm saltwater gargles, sipping honey tea, or using lozenges. But here are a few unexpected tips you might not have tried:

• Frozen grapes – A natural, soothing “popsicle” for a sore throat.
• Marshmallows – The gelatin can coat your throat and provide temporary relief.
• Steam therapy – Lean over a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head to ease dryness and congestion.
• Herbal teas like licorice root or slippery elm – Both are known for their throat-soothing properties.

Tips for Prevention

• Stay hydrated to keep your throat and nasal passages moist.
• Use a humidifier indoors to combat dry air.
• Wash your hands often to prevent the spread of germs.
• Replace your toothbrush after an illness to avoid re-infection.

If your sore throat is severe, lasts longer than a week, or comes with fever, swollen glands, or difficulty swallowing, it may be time to visit 45 Urgent Care. We can quickly determine if your symptoms are caused by strep, flu, or another infection—and get you the relief you need.