At this time of year, a sore throat is a pretty common issue. But there are two remedies that experts are stressing to avoid as they could be a waste of time and money.

According to consumer champions at Which?, some products that claim to help "aren't always necessary." Speaking to Professor Nirmal Kumar, a consultant ENT(ear, nose, and throat) surgeon and former president of ENT UK, for his expert insight into what works and what doesn't, it was revealed that home remedies can be just as effective.

Professor Kumar explained: "You don't have to go and buy expensive remedies when a few simple things you can do at home can help to relieve symptoms." People may turn to medicated lozenges, and you can buy them almost anywhere. But the experts say that "any old hard sweet and a painkiller will also do the trick."

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Another popular remedy is antiseptic sprays. However NHS says that "there's little proof they help when used on their own." So what can people do instead? Which? suggest:

• Gargling with warm, salty water. This method is recommended by the NHS, which says it not only helps soothe a sore throat but also helps shorten its duration. Add half a teaspoon of salt to 150ml of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds, three times a day. This method is not advised for children.


• Paracetamol or ibuprofen. Professor Kumar says: "These will reduce the soreness and feeling of illness." They're particularly handy for painful or inflamed throats. Generic or budget versions of these painkillers work just as well as branded ones, which we discovered can cost nearly five times as much.


• Sweets and ice cream. You don't have to seek out dedicated throat sweets. Professor Kumar says that sucking on a hard sweet also helps. It's an effective way to increase saliva release and help lubricate your mouth. You can buy glycerin throat pastilles, but any hard sweet will do. Sucking on something cold, including ice cubes or an ice lolly, can also help by temporarily numbing the pain, as can eating ice cream. Obviously, try not to go overboard for the sake of your teeth and sugar intake.


• Honey and lemon drink. The NHS says this is a popular method for treating sore throats. As with the sweets, the honey can help to lubricate scratchy, sore throats. NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) advises drinking plenty of fluids, but does warn that hot drinks can exacerbate pain, so it's best to opt for a warm drink instead.

Your sore throat should improve on its own, but if it doesn't seem to be getting better, contact your GP. Which? stresses: "Most sore throats will get better on their own within a week or so. If your sore throat is the result of a viral infection, you can't do much to actively get rid of it – it’s mainly about using the right sore throat remedies to ease the pain until your body fights it off.

"If it appears to be a bacterial infection, you're unsure, or if your viral sore throat isn't improving or is worsening, contact your GP, as you may need a targeted medication."

The NHS advises seeing a GP if:

• your child aged under 5 years needs help for a sore throat


• you or your child's sore throat does not improve after a week


• you often get a sore throat


• you have a sore throat and symptoms like a lump in your mouth or neck, or a mouth ulcer that lasts for more than 3 weeks

You can’t always avoid getting a sore throat, but you can reduce the risk of spreading it by practising good hygiene. This includes washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol, says Which?. You should also cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of the tissue immediately.