How to get rid of sore throat and shivers? A comprehensive guide

September 24, 2025 •

4 min read

An estimated 15 million doctor visits in the U.S. occur each year for sore throats alone, often accompanied by shivers. Learning how to get rid of sore throat and shivers? is key to a quicker, more comfortable recovery, and understanding the root cause is the first step toward effective treatment.

Quick Summary

Relieving a sore throat and shivers involves hydrating with warm fluids, resting, and using soothing remedies like saltwater gargles, while also managing the body's temperature, as these symptoms often indicate a viral or bacterial infection that requires care.

Key Points

Hydrate and Rest: Crucial for fighting infection and soothing symptoms.
Soothe Your Throat: Gargle with warm salt water and drink warm liquids like tea with honey.
Control Your Environment: Use a humidifier to combat dry air and ease throat irritation.
Know the Cause: Distinguish between viral and bacterial infections to seek appropriate treatment.
Recognize Warning Signs: Seek medical advice for high fever, severe symptoms, or if the illness persists.
Prevent Future Illness: Practice good hygiene and support your immune system through nutrition and stress management.

Understanding the Connection: Sore Throat and Shivers

Feeling both a sore throat and shivers at the same time is a classic sign that your immune system is activated and fighting an infection. The shivers, or chills, are your body's way of generating heat to increase its core temperature, which can help fight off pathogens. The sore throat is typically a result of inflammation in the pharynx, caused by the very same immune response targeting the invading virus or bacteria.

Common Causes of These Symptoms

Several common illnesses can trigger a sore throat and shivers:

Viral Infections: The common cold, influenza (the flu), and COVID-19 are primary culprits. These are accompanied by other symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and fatigue.
Bacterial Infections: Strep throat is a well-known bacterial cause. It often presents with a severe sore throat, fever, and sometimes white patches on the tonsils.
Mononucleosis: Caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, this illness can lead to an extremely painful sore throat, fatigue, and fever.
Environmental Factors: Allergies or exposure to irritants like smoke and dry air can also cause throat irritation, which, when combined with a low-grade fever, can feel like shivers.

Immediate Relief: Soothe Symptoms Fast

When you're feeling under the weather, finding quick relief is a top priority. Here are some immediate steps you can take to alleviate your discomfort:

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids is crucial. Dehydration can exacerbate a sore throat and prolong recovery. Warm liquids like herbal tea with honey, broth, and warm water with lemon can be especially soothing.
Gargle with Salt Water: A simple yet effective remedy, gargling with warm salt water can reduce swelling and help wash away irritants or bacteria. Mix about half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water.
Rest: Your body needs energy to fight off the infection. Get plenty of sleep and avoid strenuous activities to speed up your recovery.
Use a Humidifier: Dry air can irritate a sore throat. A cool-mist humidifier can add moisture to the air, which can provide significant relief, especially at night.
Over-the-Counter Medications: Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce throat pain and lower a fever that is causing shivers. Lozenges and throat sprays can also provide temporary relief by numbing the throat.

Long-Term Recovery and Prevention

Beyond immediate symptom management, focusing on your overall health can help shorten the duration of your illness and prevent future occurrences.

Eat Nutritious Foods: A diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, can support your immune system. Try incorporating soups, fruits, and well-cooked vegetables.
Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of smoking, secondhand smoke, and other chemical irritants that can further inflame your throat. This also includes extremely cold or hot foods and beverages.
Practice Good Hygiene: Frequent and proper handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Avoid touching your face, especially your nose and mouth.
Manage Stress: High stress levels can compromise your immune system. Find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as light exercise, meditation, or spending time outdoors.
Get Vaccinated: For some illnesses like the flu, a vaccine is the best way to prevent infection. Staying up-to-date on recommended vaccinations is a powerful preventative measure.

Comparison: Viral vs. Bacterial Sore Throat

Knowing whether your infection is viral or bacterial can be helpful, as bacterial infections may require antibiotics. While only a doctor can provide a definitive diagnosis, this table highlights some common differences:


Feature	Viral Sore Throat	Bacterial (Strep) Sore Throat
Onset	Gradual	Sudden
Fever	Sometimes, often low-grade	Often high, over 101°F (38.3°C)
Cough/Sneeze	Often present	Typically absent
Throat Appearance	Red, inflamed	Red with potential white patches or streaks
Other Symptoms	Runny nose, fatigue, general cold symptoms	Swollen lymph nodes, sometimes rash, headache
Treatment	Rest, fluids, symptom management	Antibiotics (from a doctor)

When to See a Healthcare Professional

While most cases of sore throat and shivers can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant a visit to a doctor. Seek medical advice if you experience any of the following:

A sore throat that lasts longer than a week or is unusually severe.
A high fever (over 101°F / 38.3°C) that persists.
Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Swollen lymph nodes in your neck.
A rash.
White patches on your tonsils.
If your shivers are intense and prolonged.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Your Health

Knowing how to get rid of sore throat and shivers? is about more than just managing the discomfort. It's about listening to your body and providing the care it needs to fight off infection. By combining simple, effective home remedies with rest and good hygiene, you can significantly ease your symptoms and support a faster, healthier recovery. Remember to pay attention to your symptoms and know when it's time to consult a healthcare professional for more serious concerns. For more information on general illness prevention, visit a trusted health authority like The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

The fastest way to find relief is to combine rest with soothing remedies. Drink warm liquids, gargle with warm salt water, and use a humidifier. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also reduce fever and pain quickly.

While many cases resolve on their own, you should see a doctor if your sore throat is severe, accompanied by a high or persistent fever, or if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. A doctor can determine if it's a bacterial infection requiring antibiotics.

Dehydration can worsen a sore throat, but it doesn't typically cause the shivers. The shivers are usually a sign of a fever as your body fights off an infection, though dehydration can make symptoms more pronounced.

Excellent home remedies include drinking warm teas with honey, sipping on broth, gargling with salt water, and using lozenges or throat sprays. For shivers, wrapping yourself in warm blankets and staying hydrated is key.

Viral sore throats often come with general cold symptoms like a runny nose and cough, while bacterial infections (like strep) may have a more sudden, intense sore throat and sometimes white patches on the tonsils. A doctor's test is the only way to be certain.

Both can offer relief. Warm liquids like tea or broth can be very soothing, while cold items like ice chips or popsicles can help numb the throat and reduce swelling. Choose what feels most comfortable for you.

For viral infections like a cold, symptoms usually last for a few days to a week. If it's a bacterial infection, symptoms may last longer without treatment. If they persist for more than a week, or worsen, see a doctor.