On this page:

• Do throat lozenges work?
• Can throat lozenges help cure your cold?
• The causes of sore throats
• Are throat lozenges safe during pregnancy?
• Natural remedies for sore throats

So with throat lozenges promising a world of relief, it seems like a no-brainer to just pick up a pack and start chain-chewing your way through the pain. But are cough lollies really anything more than glorified sweets?

Cold, flu and COVID-19: It’s very difficult to distinguish between the symptoms of COVID-19, influenza and a cold. If you have symptoms such as a sore throat, headache, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches, cough or runny nose, you may need to self-isolate and to be assessed by a medical professional. You should also get tested for COVID-19. 

Do throat lozenges work?

Throat lozenges generally contain painkillers, antibacterial agents, antitussives, pectin, menthol and/or eucalyptus. We take a closer look at each ingredient to see how effective it is in reducing sore throat symptoms.

Painkillers

Benzydamine hydrochloride and flurbiprofen are painkillers that belong to the group known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) that help reduce swelling. 

A number of good-quality studies have shown that flurbiprofen lozenges and benzydamine hydrochloride given as a spray or gargle provide effective relief from sore throat symptoms, including difficulty in swallowing.

Antibacterial agents

Amylmetacresol, cetylpyridinium chloride, dichlorobenzyl alcohol and hexylresorcinol are antibacterial agents that help fight against disease-causing bacteria. 

But the majority of sore throats are caused by viral infections rather than bacterial, so for the most part antibacterial agents in lozenges aren’t going to help.

Anaesthetics

Local anaesthetics numb the area they’re in contact with and provide temporary relief from soreness. Lignocaine hydrochloride and benzocaine are used widely in medical and dental practice for numbing the mouth and throat during minor surgical procedures, or when a tube must be inserted into the windpipe. Benzocaine, lignocaine hydrochloride, benzydamine hydrochloride and hexylresorcinol also have local anaesthetic properties.

Antitussives (cough suppressants)

Pholcodine and dextromethorphan hydrobromide are antitussives that are intended to help suppress dry, unproductive (non-phlegmy) coughs, which can contribute to making your throat sore. But a wide-scale review of trials testing antitussives (mainly dextromethorphan) found that they were no more effective than a placebo for treating coughs in most cases. And a much higher concentration of dextromethorphan was used in the trials than is found in throat lozenges.

Menthol/peppermint

Menthol is made synthetically or obtained from mint oils. It’s the component of peppermint oil that’s thought to be responsible for most of its therapeutic properties. It gives a cooling and soothing sensation when you inhale or eat it, thanks to its ability to chemically trigger cold-sensitive receptors in the skin. But the effect of nasal decongestion from menthol is subjective – studies show that although people feel decongested after inhaling menthol vapour, there’s no actual improvement in the nasal airway when airflow is measured.

Eucalyptus

Just like menthol, eucalyptus is thought to act as a nasal decongestant. However, there’s a lack of controlled, clinical studies to support its effectiveness.

Pectin

Pectin is commonly used as a thickening agent in foods like jam and jelly. In throat lozenges it’s used to coat the throat, and in doing so has a soothing effect in much the same way as a teaspoon of honey would.

Can throat lozenges help cure your cold?

Many throat lozenges claim to have effects that extend beyond soothing a sore throat to the relief of cold and flu symptoms generally. They all have one or more of the following ingredients in common:

Echinacea

Echinacea is thought to help boost the immune system and alleviate symptoms of the common cold. Its preparations can differ greatly depending on the type and parts of the plant used and the manufacturing methods, however, and the overwhelming majority of products haven’t been tested in clinical trials. A found that some preparations might be effective for the early treatment of colds in adults, but results aren’t consistent. Beneficial effects of other preparations might exist but haven’t been shown in good-quality trials.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

Vitamin C appears in throat lozenges in various forms, including sodium ascorbate and calcium ascorbate dihydrate. It’s thought that it can help reduce the duration of the common cold. But a found that it didn’t show any benefit in doses up to 4g daily. The dose of vitamin C in individual throat lozenges sampled by ÌÇÐÄVlog ranged from 10mg to 100mg.

Zinc

Zinc is thought to reduce symptoms of the common cold, including a sore throat. A 1999 Cochrane review found that evidence was inconclusive as to whether zinc lozenges were an effective treatment for symptoms of the common cold. Since then though, several new studies have shown that treatment with zinc lozenges does significantly decrease cold duration. It’s likely that the results are conflicting because the dose and formulation of the zinc used has an influence over effectiveness.

The causes of sore throats

Most sore throats are caused by viruses, with cold and flu viruses being the main culprits.

Viral vs bacterial infections

If your sore throat is a minor part of a typical cold, it’s likely to be caused by a viral infection. Viral sore throats are contagious and you can pass them on to someone by coughing and sneezing. Viral sore throats won’t respond to antibiotics.

Sore throats can also be caused by infection by bacteria, most commonly streptococcus (this infection is referred to as “strep throat”). Because strep throat can occasionally lead to rheumatic fever it’s best treated with antibiotics, but it needs a lab test to accurately diagnose it.

Other causes

Hayfever and other allergies may irritate the sinuses, causing post-nasal drip (drainage that runs down the back of your throat) and irritation of the throat, especially at night.

Low humidity, smoking and air pollution can all make the throat sore.

People who breathe through their mouth at night because of nasal congestion often get a sore throat that improves as the day progresses.

Are throat lozenges safe during pregnancy?

Always discuss medicine use while pregnant with your doctor or pharmacist. Lozenges that contain the painkiller benzydamine should not be used while pregnant, unless otherwise advised by your doctor. 

Lozenges that contain local anaesthetic and antibacterial agents may be used in pregnancy, but excessive use may cause unwanted side effects such as diarrhoea. 

While not a lozenge, iodine-based throat gargles should be avoided while pregnant as they may affect the thyroid function of you and your baby. 

Alternatively, you could try natural cold and flu remedies such as gargling with salt water or a warm honey and lemon drink.

Natural remedies for sore throats

Taking painkillers (for adults) is an effective way to relieve the pain and discomfort of a sore throat. But if you’d rather not take any medication, the following might also help:

• Drink warm liquids. Hot water with honey and lemon is a time-honoured remedy.
• Gargle with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in one cup of water).
• Suck on ice.
• Use your air humidifier, if you have one.

A sore throat usually resolves itself within three to four days, and it’s unusual for one to last beyond a week. If it persists, or your symptoms include severe difficulty swallowing or breathing, a fever or tender or swollen lymph glands in the neck, see your doctor.

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With all the uncertainty and anxiety, it can be hard to know what to do and not do. After all, it’s natural to want to protect yourself and your family from illness or hardship. However, intense media coverage and misinformation can sometimes lead to unnecessary panic and rushed decisions. 

To help, here’s a list of things you don’t need to buy or worry about, and some expert advice on navigating the wild rollercoaster that is 2020. 

1. Keep the cupboards stocked, but don’t go overboard

Panic buying can be contagious, especially when we see countless scenes of people frantically filling trolleys in media reports and our social feeds. 

While you may feel more secure if you have a couple of weeks’ worth of supplies in case you need to isolate, remember not everyone has the ability or finances to buy in bulk. Empty shelves can cause significant stress to older people, people with disabilities and essential workers with limited time to shop.

Rather than bulk buy, add a few extra items to your shop here and there to build up supplies (remember you’ll only need to last 14 days if you do not actually get the virus). Also keep in mind, supermarkets may have enforced limits on certain items. 

Alternatively, look into subscription services, which can deliver everything from full meals to coffee to wine to toilet paper, contact-free. This means more food left on supermarket shelves for others and less effort for you to get it, which is safer too.

2. Don’t buy private health cover because of COVID-19

ÌÇÐÄVlog health insurance expert, Uta Mihm, says: “Do not buy or change your private health insurance policy because you’re worried about getting sick with COVID-19. It will not affect the quality of your treatment.

“If you become ill with COVID-19, you would likely be admitted to a public hospital with an intensive care unit and potentially isolation facilities. As a result, you likely won’t have access to benefits afforded by private health insurance, such as choosing your own doctor or getting a private room.”

The Department of Health confirms: “The private health insurance status of a patient who is affected by coronavirus will not determine their treatment. Doctors and hospitals determine who receives treatment, the treatment they receive, and the timing of the treatment. It is not determined by the government or insurers.”

Of course, your health care needs might have changed because of new financial circumstances or less access to extras service. With a private insurance price rise looming on 1 October, it’s a good time to compare policies and make sure you’re getting the best deal.

3. Wearing a mask? Don’t make these mistakes

Please note: face mask requirements and advice can change rapidly depending on where you live. Visit your relevant government website for the latest guidance.

Wearing a face mask can help reduce the chances of virus transmission, but there are some definite don’ts to keep in mind when putting one on. These include:

• Don’t touch the front of the mask once it’s on and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth. 
• When taking it off, again avoid touching the main part of the mask, and remove it using the ties instead.
• Don’t use single-use masks more than once, unless you absolutely have to.
• Don’t remove your mask to talk to people.
• Never put a mask on children under the age of two because of choking and strangulation risks.
• Don’t ‘clean’ a mask by putting it in a microwave – it could catch fire.

Check out our comprehensive face mask guide for the most effective masks, how to clean them and make your own.

4. Don’t buy into misleading advertising

Watch out for businesses engaged in ‘panic marketing‘ with ads tapping into people’s anxieties to sell you things you don’t need or products that don’t do what they promise. 

We’ve also seen a wide range of dodgy products – ranging from cleaning products to tech gadgets to clothes – spruiking unproven claims that they “kill coronavirus” or are “antiviral”, so be sceptical. Recently, activewear brand almost $40,000 by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for unlawfully advertising “anti-virus activewear”.

Do your own independent research on the product and the company, read others’ reviews and verify the claims where possible. 

In regard to medical products, it’s illegal to promote goods that claim to test, treat or cure any condition unless it is approved by the TGA. Exercise caution if you see a product that claims to treat COVID-19. If you have health concerns, follow and consult a health professional.

5. Don’t book holidays or travel insurance without reading the fine print

With global travel currently banned, you might be considering a domestic trip instead, but be careful – ever-changing travel restrictions represent a constant hazard.

Many people have been caught out by the terms and conditions of their travel arrangements – whether it’s flights, hotels, tours or car rentals – so read the fine print to ensure you understand what happens if you make a booking and you’re no longer able to travel. 

It’s unlikely domestic or international travel insurance will cover you for COVID or government-imposed travel bans as a result of COVID. But if you’re booking an expensive domestic holiday, it will still cover unforeseen events, such as summer bushfires or floods. 

Some insurers are starting to exclude future epidemics and pandemics in their terms and conditions, so be aware of this if you’re buying a policy for an upcoming trip. More travel information is available on the .

6. Most people shouldn’t worry about their super 

What should you be doing to protect your retirement savings from the impact of COVID-19?

Xavier O’Halloran, director of Super Consumers Australia, says most people don’t have to worry about doing anything with their super.

“Super is all about the long game and you should invest accordingly,” O’Halloran says. “The share market generally bounces back from shocks like this.

“Given most people are more than a decade from retirement, they’ve got plenty of time to ride out the shocks. For those near retirement, it’s time to think about building up a cash buffer to cover your spending while the markets recover.

“In fact, trying to get out of high-risk investments at the peak and back in at the bottom is highly unpredictable and can leave you chasing your losses.”

For people who are retired or nearing retirement it is worthwhile getting some advice specific to your needs.

7. Be wary of making your own hand sanitiser

We’ve seen serious price-gouging for products such as hand sanitiser, and even exposed large retailer Mosaic for selling dodgy sanitiser (our tests found it contained just 20% alcohol, which is ineffective against coronavirus). We’ve also investigated alcohol-free sanitiser and found its effectiveness to be inconclusive at best. 

With supplies selling out or for outrageous mark-ups, many people have taken to sharing many DIY sanitiser recipes online. But be wary. 

A DIY recipe needs to contain the right percentage of alcohol to be effective. Recipes that contain less than 60% alcohol, or are primarily made up of ingredients such as essential oils, are unlikely to be effective. 

On the , physician Dr Norman Swan says, “Handwashing with soap and water is the best thing to use to kill this virus, followed by a hand sanitiser with the correct percentage of alcohol.”

8. Don’t forget to review your insurance and negotiate a discount 

If your personal circumstances have changed – like you’re working from home or driving a lot less – you may be able to negotiate a discount on your home, contents and car insurance because your level of risk has changed.

ÌÇÐÄVlog insurance expert Daniel Graham advises telling your insurer of the change (your policy requires you to, anyway) and then using that as leverage to discuss a better deal. 

“They should have discretion to give you a discount,” he says. “And if they don’t, then go somewhere else. The threat of cancelling is always a good way to get your insurer into gear. As long as you’re prepared to walk, by all means threaten to.”

Also, if you’re experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic, many insurers are offering extra support to existing customers, so it’s worth looking into.

9. Don’t stockpile medicines

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has not yet received any notifications of medicine shortages in Australia that are a direct result of COVID-19. While you may like to ensure you have at least two weeks’ supply of prescription medicines in the event you’re quarantined and can’t get to the chemist, there is no need to stockpile. This could result in others not being able to access medications they need straight away.

10. Don’t neglect your mental health

It’s important to stay informed, but receiving high levels of negative information can heighten anxiety. If you need somebody to talk to, consider reaching out to Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or .

For the latest medical advice and official reports on coronavirus (COVID-19), read the .

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But what type of face masks should you wear – and are DIY options effective? We take a look at the latest advice.

Who should wear a face mask?

According to the , you should wear a face mask if:

• you have or suspect you may have COVID-19
• you’re caring for someone who has or may have COVID-19
• you work in a ‘high-risk’ occupation such as health care. 

Children under the age of two should never wear face masks due to choking and strangulation risks.

Follow state and territory guidelines

The Department of Health states that “if you are well, a mask is not required where there is low community transmission of COVID-19. However, if you are in a situation where physical distancing is difficult, such as on public transport, you may choose to wear a mask.”

However, community transmissions of COVID-19 can spike at any time. If this happens where you live, follow your local government’s guidelines to help you stay safe. 

These guidelines may suggest wearing face masks when:

• it’s hard to maintain 1.5 metres of physical distance from others 
• you’re in areas where there has been community transmission 
• you’re in high-risk indoor areas such as public transport, supermarkets, shops, churches and other places of worship  
• you’re caring for or serving vulnerable people 
• you’re working in a cafe, restaurant, pub, club or other high-risk indoor areas.  

Will a face mask stop me from getting COVID-19?

COVID-19 can be spread when an infected person coughs and sneezes, so wearing a face mask provides an additional barrier that can help limit transmission. 

However, health officials stress that the use of face masks is just one way to help limit the spread of COVID-19 and that compliance with hand hygiene, physical distancing and other infection prevention and control measures is critical.

What type of face mask should I wear?

in the US recently tested the efficacy of masks to reduce the transmission of respiratory droplets during regular speech.

They looked at 14 commonly available masks and mask alternatives and found that neck fleeces (sometimes called gaiter masks) are the least effective overall and could actually increase the risk of transmission. Folded bandanas and knitted masks were also found to offer little protection.

The most effective item was a fitted N95 respirator (although it’s not generally recommended outside of healthcare settings), while three-layer surgical masks and cotton masks which are suitable for the general public also performed well. 

Face masks can be bought at various retail stores, including chemists, but on the podcast, physician Dr Norman Swan notes that it can be difficult to find triple-layer masks.

“A lot of people are just selling single-layer cotton masks,” he says. “They are better than nothing, but only just a little bit … You really do want to try and find those triple-layer masks or surgical masks.”

And with reports of massive queues outside chemists in Melbourne following the mandatory mask announcement, you might prefer to skip the crowds and make your own instead.

How to make your own cloth face mask

There’s no shortage of online tutorials for making your own face mask using supplies you might already have around the house – from handkerchiefs and old T-shirts to bras, socks and men’s briefs.

But consider following the advice of Victoria’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), which has released a step-by-step . The guide also suggests types of material to use, stressing that it shouldn’t be worn too thin or have holes in it. 

Once made, you should ensure your mask:

• fits snugly but comfortably against the sides of the face
• is secured with ties or ear loops
• allows for breathing without restriction
• can be laundered and machine-dried without damage or changes to its shape (cloth masks should be routinely washed in a washing machine).

Can I just use a scarf or bandana?

Although the Duke University study found that bandanas offered little protection, if you don’t have a surgical or cloth face mask, bandanas and scarves will be accepted as a face covering in Victoria, with experts saying it’s better than nothing.

“They’re a bit like single-layer cotton masks,” says Swan. “They’re OK, but not brilliant. You really want to try to move towards a proper mask.”

How to wear face masks safely

To put on a face mask:

• Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser (to comply with WHO’s formulation, hand sanitiser must contain at least 80% ethanol or 75% isopropyl alcohol.)
• Inspect the mask for any damage.
• After putting it on, adjust the mask to make sure it fits snugly against the sides of the face and that it covers your nose, mouth and chin. 
• Do not touch the front of the mask and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth at all times.
• Do not remove the mask to talk to people.

To remove a face mask:

• Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser.
• Avoid touching the main part of the mask, and remove it using the ties behind the ear or head.
• Pull the mask away from your face and either discard in a closed bin (if using a single-use mask), place in a clean plastic bag (if reusing a cloth mask that isn’t dirty or wet), or wash with soap and hot water (if cleaning a cloth mask).
• Clean your hands using soap and water or hand sanitiser after removing or discarding the mask. 

For a complete list of dos and don’ts, visit WHO’s guide to wearing and .

How to make a face mask more comfortable

If a face mask doesn’t fit well, it can quickly become annoying to wear and may discourage people from wearing them. 

Luckily, our sister organisation has some simple fixes to avoid common annoyances such as ‘maskacne’, fogged up glasses and difficulty hearing and communicating. 

When and how do I wash a cloth mask? 

A cloth mask should be washed at least once a day after use, or as soon as it becomes wet or dirty. 

It can be washed by itself or with other washing, using soap or detergent and hot water. Dry your face mask thoroughly before reusing. 

And despite some online claims, don’t clean a cloth mask in the microwave. 

“There have been stories of masks igniting in the microwave, which is not something you want to do,” says Swan. 

“It’s not necessarily guaranteed that the microwave will kill most germs. What will kill most germs, in fact will kill the virus, is to wash your mask with detergent and water and let it dry.”

Can I re-wear a surgical face mask?

Surgical face masks are made with non-woven meltblown polypropylene and are a single-use product – reusing them isn’t recommended.

But if you have no other option, Swan says it’s probably better than nothing.

“The key thing here is to not wear them so long that they’re getting wet or damp because they lose their effect,” he says.

He suggests spraying the mask with disinfectant and letting it dry thoroughly before reusing, but that it’s not recommended and it’s not guaranteed to be as effective as a first-time wear.

“But if you’re stuck … a dry mask that’s been disinfected with spray will do some good for you, but not indefinitely,” he says.

Continue to practise good hygiene

While the wearing of face masks looks set to become more common as the crisis continues, face masks alone aren’t enough to stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. 

To protect both yourself and others, the Australian Department of Health says it’s essential to:

• such as washing your hands often with soap and water, using alcohol-based hand sanitisers, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• practise by staying at home. If you have to go out, make sure you you keep at least 2m away from others 
• follow the
• understand how to if you need to.

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With winter upon us, it’s only a matter of time before we’re fighting off chills and sore throats – if we haven’t already. 

So is there a way to stop the common cold in its tracks? New research suggests that zinc could at least slow it down to a sniffle.

Cold analysis

A 2016 analysis, published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology has found that zinc acetate lozenges are an effective treatment, and may reduce the duration of the common cold by nearly three days.

Researchers reviewed patient data from three randomized placebo-controlled trials in which zinc acetate lozenges were administered to common cold patients. The total number of patients was 199.

The study found that where colds lasted seven days on average across the three trials, the duration of colds in patients taking the zinc lozenges was almost three days shorter.

“Common cold patients should be encouraged to try zinc acetate lozenges not exceeding 100mg of elemental zinc per day for treating their colds,” said Dr Harri Hemila, lead author of the analysis.

Zinc type and dosage

But if you want relief from your cold, it’s not as simple as grabbing the first zinc lozenge you can find at the chemist. The study makes the point that the majority of zinc lozenges on the market have either doses of zinc that are too low, or contain substances that bind zinc, such as citric acid.

To have an effect on the duration of colds, a high dose of at least 75mg a day is needed. And although zinc acetate has been proposed as the best salt for lozenges, since acetate more readily allows the release of free zinc ions, no lozenges containing this active ingredient are currently listed in the Australian Register for Therapeutic Goods. Common forms found in lozenges in Australia are zinc amino acid chelate and zinc gluconate.

A number of benefits

Zinc isn’t a new treatment for the common cold. It’s frequently found as an active ingredient in supplements such as throat lozenges for example (see our article What’s in throat lozenges?).

This new analysis, however, puts a number against how much faster zinc can help you recover. And as everyone would agree, the sooner you’re free from the miserable coughs, sneezes, and runny noses associated with common cold, the better.

With the cost of absenteeism to the Australian economy now exceeding $32.5 billion per annum in payroll and lost productivity costs, getting back to work (or school) sooner after coming down with a cold could have far-reaching benefits.

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