Sore throats are very common and usually nothing to worry about. Most are caused by viruses, and are often relatively mild.
Recently, the Zoe COVID study revealed that a sore throat is the most common symptom of Covid-19.
Professor Tim Spector, Zoe scientific co-founder and lead scientist on the Zoe Health Study, said the virus is "still rampant". He said: "So much so that if you have any cold-like symptoms at the moment it's nearly twice as likely to be covid as a cold."
But with temperatures outside rising, could the heatwave be responsible for a niggle in your throat?
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Dehydration could cause a sore throat
A sore throat could be caused by dehydration, as the body is losing more fluids than it takes in. If it is not treated, it can get worse and become a serious problem. Symptoms of dehydration in adults and children include:
- feeling thirsty
- dark yellow and strong-smelling pee
- feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- feeling tired
- a dry mouth, lips and eyes
- a dry and scratchy feeling in the throat
- peeing little, and fewer than 4 times a day
To prevent dehydration during hot weather, make sure to drink plenty of water. If a sore throat means swallowing is difficult, take small sips to begin with and gradually build up volume. The NHS recommends drinking enough during the day so your pee is a pale clear colour.
Dehydration can become more serious when the body gets too hot and turns into heat exhaustion. If this is not treated quickly, it can turn into heatstroke, which can be life-threatening. The signs to look out for are:
- a headache
- dizziness and confusion
- loss of appetite and feeling sick
- excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
- cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
- fast breathing or pulse
- a high temperature of 38C or above
- being very thirsty
If you suspect that someone you know is suffering from heat exhaustion, cool them down as quickly as possible. The NHS recommends these four steps:
- Move them to a cool place.
- Get them to lie down and raise their feet slightly.
- Get them to drink plenty of water. Sports or rehydration drinks are OK.
- Cool their skin – spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs around the armpits or neck are good, too.
If you have been waking up with a sore throat, then your sleeping habits and environment could be to blame. Dry air, caused by leaving the window open or a fan on, mouth breathing, allergies such as hayfever or acid reflux can also strip the moisture from your throat, resulting in a dry and scratchy feeling when you wake up. Combat this by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, including before you go to bed.
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