What should you know about feeling hot, cold and having a headache?

Chills can make you feel cold while your skin feels warm, and a thermometer gives more useful information than touch alone. Common Cold and COVID-19 may bring headache and changing temperature sensations. Congestion or facial pressure can occur with Allergic Rhinitis or Chronic Sinusitis. Dehydration and Heat Exhaustion may cause headache, weakness, thirst or dizziness. A severe headache with fever, neck stiffness or a rash needs urgent assessment; Dengue Fever is one condition clinicians may consider in the right travel or exposure context.

Rest in a comfortable room, measure your temperature, sip fluids and avoid heavy activity. Use light layers so you can adjust as the sensation changes. Record onset, exposure to heat, recent travel, congestion, cough, vomiting, diarrhoea, medicines and urine output. Do not overheat yourself while shivering. If symptoms are mild but continue or recur, arrange a clinical review.

Get urgent help for a sudden severe headache, confusion, fainting, weakness, trouble speaking, stiff neck, repeated vomiting, a new rash, breathing difficulty or inability to drink. Seek prompt care after substantial heat exposure, especially with worsening dizziness or reduced alertness. Arrange review for a persistent measured fever or symptoms that are getting worse.

Ask whether your symptoms fit an infection, dehydration, sinus problem or heat illness, whether testing is needed, and which pain relief is suitable for you.