Chills, headache and sore throat: what to know

Influenza and the Common Cold can cause throat irritation, headache, chills, tiredness and other respiratory symptoms. COVID-19 can also present this way. Strep Throat or Tonsillitis may cause marked throat pain, swollen neck glands or difficulty swallowing, while Glandular Fever can bring prolonged fatigue and swollen glands. Allergic Rhinitis and Acid Reflux may irritate the throat, but chills or a fever make an infection more worth considering.

A sore throat is a common presentation of several infections, so the symptom pattern does not identify one cause by itself. Cough, runny nose, fever, exposure to illness, age, medical history and examination findings help guide the next step.

Rest and drink regularly. Warm or cool fluids, soft foods and salt-water gargles may soothe an irritated throat if gargling is safe for you. Check your temperature and consider staying home from close contact while feverish or feeling acutely unwell. Use only medicines suitable for you and follow the label; ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines, are pregnant or have a chronic condition.

Get urgent help for difficulty breathing, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, swelling in the mouth or neck, severe headache with a stiff neck, confusion, fainting or a rapidly worsening illness. Arrange a medical review for persistent fever, dehydration, a rash, severe one-sided throat pain, or symptoms that are not settling. Seek earlier advice if you have reduced immunity or a serious long-term condition.

Mention when symptoms began, your temperature, cough or nasal symptoms, exposure to someone unwell, swallowing difficulty, rash, medicines and relevant health conditions. Ask whether an examination or throat test is needed and when you can safely return to normal activities.