Im getting a very sore throat and cough and i was wondering what i can do to try to help stop a bad cold from coming on and the severity? thank you!

May be strep: New throat pain can be strep throat (antibiotics are needed), a cold or influenza (antivirals may be used), or from some other cause such as allergies or irritants. Usually, a person sees the doctor if the sore throat is bothersome, recurrent, or doesn't go away quickly (to see if a prescription is needed for strep throat). Throat lozenges and Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin can lessen pain.