Sore throat
If your child has a sore throat, they may eat and drink less. They may drool more or have a hoarse voice. So long as they are able to breathe easily, it’s not serious.
In children aged 2 and under, sore throat is usually caused by viruses (cold and flu viruses, for example). In this case, antibiotics are not effective, but there are several things you can do to make your child more comfortable.
Good to know...
Don’t give lozenges to children aged 4 and under because they could choke.
Don’t give honey to children under 1 year. They can catch a very serious infection called botulism (see Honey—never for babies under age 1).
What to do
Make sure they drink plenty of liquids. It may be easier for them to drink with a straw or sippy cup when they have a sore throat. Your child may also prefer to eat cold foods. Acetaminophen may provide them some relief. Ibuprofen may be given if they're over 6 months (see Fever medication).
Consult your doctor if they have trouble breathing or swallowing. If your child has a fever, see What to do if your child has a fever.