Body aches, chills and nausea: what they can mean

Aches can reflect inflammation in muscles and other tissues. Chills may happen as the body adjusts its temperature, sometimes before or during a fever. Nausea can accompany infection, dehydration, pain, medication effects or digestive upset.

Respiratory infections such as Influenza and COVID-19 can present with aches, chills and nausea. In the UAE or after travel, a clinician may also consider illnesses such as Dengue Fever or Malaria when fever, travel exposure, rash, headache or marked weakness is present. Brucellosis is another possibility after exposure to infected animals or unpasteurised dairy. These conditions have overlapping symptoms, so the symptom pattern alone cannot confirm any of them.

If aches continue after an infection, or occur with fatigue and unrefreshing sleep, Fibromyalgia or Long COVID may be discussed. Hypothyroidism can also cause muscle aches, especially alongside tiredness, feeling unusually cold or constipation.

Rest, sip fluids regularly and choose small, bland meals if nausea makes eating difficult. Check your temperature and note when the symptoms began, whether they are worsening, and whether anyone around you is ill. Avoid strenuous exercise while you feel unwell.

Use only medicines that are suitable for you and follow the label or a clinician’s instructions. Tell a pharmacist or doctor about pregnancy, chronic illness and current medicines before taking a new product. If you have fever after travel, avoid self-treating with medicines that may be unsuitable for some infections until you have received advice.

Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, confusion, a seizure, severe weakness, a stiff neck, severe abdominal pain, blood in vomit or stool, or inability to keep fluids down. Seek prompt assessment for a rapidly spreading rash, yellowing of the skin, very little urine, or fever that is high or persistent.

Arrange a medical review if symptoms are not settling, keep returning, or interfere with drinking and daily activities. Mention recent travel, insect bites, animal contact, unpasteurised dairy, new medicines and any underlying conditions; these details can guide examination and testing.

Ask: What causes fit my symptoms and recent exposures? Do I need an examination or tests? Which fluids, foods and medicines are appropriate for me? What changes should prompt urgent help? If the aches continue, could a persistent infection, Fibromyalgia, Long COVID or Hypothyroidism be relevant?