Body aches when sick: what to know

During an infection, immune signals can make muscles and joints feel tender, heavy or stiff while the body responds. Fever, chills, tiredness, headache, sore throat, cough, vomiting or diarrhoea may accompany the aches. Body aches are a common presentation of Influenza, and they can also occur with COVID-19. Illness after mosquito exposure or travel may require consideration of Dengue Fever or Malaria; exposure to unpasteurised dairy or livestock may be relevant to Brucellosis. Symptoms alone cannot identify which infection is present.

Rest, drink fluids regularly and choose light foods as tolerated. Keep the room comfortable and avoid strenuous activity while feverish or weak. Follow label directions for any pain or fever medicine, and ask a pharmacist about interactions or suitability if you are pregnant, have liver or kidney disease, or take other medicines. Reduce close contact with others while you have respiratory symptoms and follow local advice about testing. Note temperature, symptom onset, travel and medicine use for a clinician.

Seek emergency help for difficulty breathing, chest pain, blue or grey lips, severe confusion, fainting, a seizure, a stiff neck, or inability to stay awake. Get prompt medical advice for dehydration, persistent vomiting, severe headache, a new rash, unusual bleeding, yellowing of the skin, or fever after travel to a malaria area. Contact a clinician when aches are severe, symptoms worsen, or recovery is not progressing as expected, especially if you have a long-term condition or weakened immunity.

Which infection fits my symptoms and exposures? Do I need testing or treatment? Which fluid, fever and breathing changes should make me seek urgent help?