Dimetap was prescription when I was a kid. That didn't stop mom the nurse from getting a nice supply from my uncle the pharmacist. Dimetap cures every kid with that awesome grape flavor.
If your throat was hurting you, look for the cloreseptic losenges that say they numb. I went through a lot of those doing my roof. The help was coming that weekend and simply put.. there was no choice. They worked great. Sooner or later, you need rest.
Antibiotics don't work well if you keep using the same one or form of one. A good doctor will mix them around a bit if you commonly need them. Also think about it.. antibiotics are like that stupid hand sanitizer. It kills germs right? It also kills off the good fighting germs/whatever is in your body/hands. Hence why I'll sometimes skip washing my hands when they are dirty and just eat the pizza. There's no time working on a car to stop and wash up.
Gloves.. Diamond gloves are my favorite.