I am currently breastfeeding and I have cold symptoms. I have a very uncomfortable sore throat. What can I take to relieve it?

Hello Ma'am,

What is your modified Centor score: https://www.inesss.qc.ca/fileadmin/doc/CDM/UsageOptimal/Guides-serieI/Guide-PharyngiteAmygdalite.pdf 👈 (calculated using the handout here on page 2)?

If your score is 3 or higher, you will need to see a doctor.

If your score is 2 or less, I recommend simply taking Tylenol™ or Advil™ for the pain, taking spoonfuls of warm honey to make sure the throat irritation is relieved, avoiding irritating foods (acidic, spicy, salty, etc.) and rest to the best of your ability.

If you have a runny nose, it would be worthwhile to reduce it as much as possible as it can contribute to throat irritation (especially at night). To do this, I recommend using a product like Sinus Rinse™ twice a day.

Good luck at the end of the day,

Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist

P.S. It's best to avoid any products that say "Sinus" or "Cold and Flu" because they contain decongestants that could drastically decrease your milk production.