Body aches, nausea and fatigue: what to know

A viral illness such as influenza or COVID-19 can produce aches, low energy, and nausea, sometimes with respiratory symptoms. Heat exposure, vomiting, diarrhoea, or poor fluid intake can cause dehydration, which may add headache, dizziness, and reduced urination. New medicines, alcohol, intense exertion, thyroid problems, and persistent pain conditions can also contribute. Malaria, dengue fever, or brucellosis need consideration after relevant travel or exposure. These symptoms alone cannot identify one cause.

Take small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink, and choose light foods when tolerated. Rest and avoid strenuous exercise or alcohol while you feel unwell. Note vomiting, bowel changes, temperature, urine output, recent travel, insect bites, sick contacts, and any new medicine. A pharmacist or clinician can check whether symptom relief medicines are suitable for you, especially if you are pregnant or have kidney, liver, or stomach problems.

Get urgent help for severe abdominal pain, chest pain, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, a stiff neck, blood in vomit or stool, or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange prompt review if fatigue is profound, urine becomes very scarce or dark, symptoms keep worsening, or there has been recent travel to a malaria-risk area. Persistent or recurrent symptoms also deserve a clinical review.

Ask what examinations or tests may clarify the cause, whether dehydration is present, and which medicines or foods to avoid. Bring a list of medicines and explain the timing of each symptom, recent exposures, and any underlying conditions.