Where should I go?

  • Lexington Pediatrics:
    • For a sore throat that has been present for at least 24 hours
  • Go to PM Pediatrics if our office is closed AND:
    • You are unable to keep your child comfortable until we open the next day. See home care below to help keep your child comfortable.
  • Go to the ER if:
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Drooling/ unable to swallow secretions

Home Care:

  • Over 1 year old: warm fluids such as chicken broth or cold foods such as popsicles. Honey can be helpful for soothing a sore throat, you can offer 5 mL as needed for pain.
  • Over 6 years old:  Can suck on hard candy or lollipops
  • Over 8 years old: Can gargle using warm water with a little table salt added.
  • Medicated throat sprays or lozenges are generally not helpful.
  • You can give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for severe throat discomfort.

Your child will be okay overnight with a sore throat, there are no serious health complications from being seen the next day. Very rarely does a sore throat need to be seen in the ER.

PM Pediatrics locations:

Woburn location:

99 Commerce Way
Woburn, MA 01801

(Open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.) 

Saugus Location:

737 Broadway
Saugus, MA 01906

(Weekdays: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Weekends: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)