Adrienne, Someone gave me a few ounces of something called Rocking Rye, or something like that--Rock 'n Rye, maybe. It was rock sugar candy with whisky. She told me to take a teaspoonful periodically. It didn't taste terribly strong; it was sweet and smooth, and really killed the pain. I'm being serious, because I am not big on drinking. It was very helpful, probably the best sore throat remedy I've ever had. Of course, it it's strep, you do need to see the doctor. This is just symptom relief.