What should you know about body chills and sore throat?

The common cold, influenza, and COVID-19 can present with sore throat, chills, cough, congestion, or fatigue. Tonsillitis and strep throat may cause painful swallowing, swollen tonsils, and tender neck glands; a clinician may need to examine your throat and decide whether testing is useful. Glandular fever can cause marked tiredness and swollen glands. Allergic rhinitis may irritate the throat through drainage, while acid reflux can cause burning or a recurring need to clear the throat. Chills make an infection more likely than allergy or reflux, but they do not identify which infection is present.

Rest, sip warm or cool fluids, and choose soft foods if swallowing hurts. Gargling with warm salt water may soothe an adult throat. Avoid smoke and sharing cups or utensils, and consider staying home while feverish or feeling acutely unwell. Do not use leftover antibiotics; many sore throats are viral, and the correct treatment depends on assessment. A pharmacist can advise on suitable pain or fever relief.

Seek emergency help if you cannot breathe or swallow saliva, your voice becomes muffled, one side of the throat swells markedly, or you become confused or faint. Arrange prompt care for dehydration, a persistent high temperature, a spreading rash, severe neck swelling, or symptoms that are worsening rather than easing.

Ask whether your throat needs testing, how to distinguish viral illness from bacterial throat infection, which medicines are safe for you, and when you can return to work, school, or exercise.