The chief method of preventing sore throats is to keep hands free of germs that may cause viral or bacterial infection. Regular handwashing is important to achieving this goal. Children should always wash their hands before eating and after using the bathroom. They also should wash after spending time in public spaces or after touching animals. It is important to wash the front and backs of the hands and to get in-between the fingers.

Hand sanitizers also can be used to keep a child’s hands free of bacteria and viruses. These cleaners often contain a moisturizer that keeps the skin from drying out. It is important to use a sanitizer that contains alcohol in order to kill germs.

Adhering to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended vaccination schedule helps reduce the incidence of sore throats caused by serious diseases. Common or formerly common diseases such as measles, mumps, polio, and diphtheria caused many children to develop a sore throat, among other symptoms. Vaccinations for influenza are also available, and may help prevent sore throat in children caused by influenza.

Children also are urged to use the following precautions:

• Do not share certain items with others. These include eating utensils, food, glasses, napkins or towels.
  
  
• Wash hands after using public phones and do not touch drinking fountains with the mouth.
  
  
• Avoid contact with those who are sick.
  
  
• Stay indoors when air pollution is high.
  
  
• Avoid exposure to second-hand smoke.
  
  
• Cough or sneeze into tissues and throw them away.