Most workers will call in sick when afflicted with colds, cough, and a sore throat, but a study of healthcare workers has revealed that most of them will come to work even when they’re sick. According to the study, 70% of nurses, midwives, and physician assistants would go to work while coughing, and half of them will report to work even with a runny nose or a sore throat. If you have a cough or a cold, it would be best to stay home to avoid putting patients at risk, but for a sore throat, you can take natural remedies that will help soothe the pain.
Causes of a sore throat
A sore throat normally accompanies a cough and colds, but other factors can contribute to a dry and itchy throat. According to the Mayo Clinic, allergies to pet dander, mold, or dust can contribute to a sore throat. Irritants such as tobacco smoke can also cause an ongoing sore throat. Yelling or talking loudly for long periods without rest can also result in a sore throat. Whatever the reason, it’s best to take natural throat remedies which won’t make you sleepy or impair you in any way when you’re at work. Here are 5 natural sore throat remedies that you can take while you’re on a break at work.
Salt and warm water
A gargle made from salt and warm water can soothe your throat. Simply mix a teaspoon of salt into a glass of lukewarm water, stir, and gargle. Take care not to swallow the salt solution as this can further irritate your throat.
Chamomile tea
Instead of sipping a cup of coffee on your break, try drinking chamomile tea. It’s naturally soothing, and its antiseptic properties can help relieve a painful throat. Moreover, it can boost your immune system to help fight off the infection that caused your sore throat.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C can fight off infection and promotes healing. If you have a sore throat, take a vitamin C tablet three times a day, or increase your intake of vitamin C rich foods such as oranges or tomatoes. You can also juice vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables and take it with you to work.
Chicken soup
For your lunch break, opt to have a cup of warm chicken soup to soothe your throat. The soup can relieve throat pain and can be very comforting when you’re feeling sick. You can bring a thermos of homemade soup with you to work or check if the cafeteria has a bit of chicken broth.
Honey
Honey has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can soothe a sore throat. You can stir a spoonful of honey into half a cup of water with a bit of lemon juice and drink it whenever you need some pain relief.
These are just a few natural sore throat remedies that you can take on your break. For more natural sore throat remedies, click here. If your sore throat persists, get some rest and seek medical advice.