Body aches and a tight chest: what to know

Influenza and COVID-19 can cause body aches with cough, fever, fatigue or chest discomfort. Tightness may also come from irritated airways, muscle strain after coughing, anxiety or another heart or lung problem. Fibromyalgia can cause chest-wall tenderness, but it should not be assumed to explain new chest pressure. Note whether the feeling is pressure, pain, burning or difficulty getting air, and whether activity, breathing or position changes it.

Stop exertion and sit upright in a calm, well-ventilated place. Avoid smoking and strenuous activity. If symptoms are mild and clearly linked to a cough or sore muscles, arrange clinical advice and monitor breathing, temperature and hydration. Do not drive yourself if chest symptoms are severe, new or worsening. Keep a list of medicines and relevant heart, lung or clotting history available for the clinician.

Call emergency services now for severe or worsening chest pressure, difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, fainting, confusion, cold sweating, coughing blood, or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck or jaw. Seek urgent assessment for a fast worsening illness, inability to speak comfortably because of breathlessness, or low alertness. Even when aches seem flu-like, new chest tightness should be assessed promptly if it does not quickly settle at rest.

Tell the clinician when tightness began, what it feels like, whether breathing or movement affects it, and whether you have fever, cough, palpitations, leg swelling or recent travel. Ask whether you need immediate heart or lung checks.