Cindy, Chuck will soon reach that 'zone' of soreness where more doesn't mean very much. The body will only allow a certain amount of pain to 'come through'. My throat and mouth pain continued for quite a while, but I don't remember it continuing to get worse. Use the rinses and pain meds. There is nothing heroic about enduring pain. Its exhausting and drains body resources away from other things - like surviving and holding on to calories and hydration. More fluids and more sleep are often very helpful with the discomforts. Getting hungry, or tired or dehydrated are all likely to make him feel much, much worse. Get the best pain meds they offer and use them liberally. Chuck will know when to taper off. Be strong. Tom