How to get rid of sore throat and swollen gland?

Otc meds or swab: Acetaminophem or antiinflamatories might help, as well as gargles with salted warm water, to help you fall asleep use a topica product like chlorasptic spray. The typical sore throat of a cold shoul go away in 2 or 3 days. However if you feel very ill, heve fever, and exudates in your tonsills strep throat needs to be ruled out and if that is the case, you need antibiotics.

Antiinflammatories: The swollen gland is a reactive inflammatory response of the infection attacking the tonsills. Either a virus or a bacterial infection, for sure, there is inflammation. For which i recommend antiinflammatories (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc), just make sure you don't have any contraindications to its use.

Support immune syste: Try salt water gargles twice daily, increase fluids to the amount of ounces = to half your weight in pounds, make sure you are getting adequate sleep to restore your immune system (7.5-8 hours/night). You can also add vitamin c and zinc to your regimen to support immune system. Most often the cause is viral and unless symptoms persist, i would not recommend antibiotics.