Can there be any way to treat a sore throat before it gets bad?

Perhaps: For significant sore throat with swollen tonsils / lymph nodes – see physician & get a strep throat test/ culture. If you have strep throat, antibiotic therapy is imperative to prevent future complications. Saltwater gargles: mix 1 tsp salt in 8 oz warm water – gargle several times a day. Or gargle with aloe vera juice twice a day. Add honey & a small amt. Of lemon juice to chamomile tea.