Cough, stuffy nose and sore throat

A blocked or runny nose can cause mouth breathing and mucus draining into the throat, which may trigger coughing and soreness. Common Cold often develops gradually with sneezing, congestion, and a scratchy throat. Influenza may begin more abruptly with marked tiredness, fever, aches, and a dry cough. COVID-19 can overlap with either pattern, so symptoms alone cannot reliably distinguish it. Allergic Rhinitis is more suggestive when symptoms recur with exposure and include itching or repeated sneezing without feeling generally unwell.

Severe throat pain, tender neck glands, swollen tonsils, or little nasal congestion may prompt assessment for Strep Throat or Tonsillitis. Reflux can cause throat irritation and cough without a blocked nose, so timing and triggers help the clinician sort possibilities.

Rest, drink regularly, and choose soft foods or warm fluids if swallowing is uncomfortable. Saline nasal care may ease congestion; ask a pharmacist about products appropriate for your age, health conditions, and other medicines. Wash hands, improve ventilation, and avoid close contact while you are unwell, especially around vulnerable people. Follow local advice about testing if COVID-19 or influenza is a concern. Avoid antibiotics unless a clinician prescribes them for a bacterial infection, because they do not treat viral illnesses.

Get urgent help for trouble breathing, chest pain, blue or grey lips, confusion, severe dehydration, inability to swallow saliva, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Seek medical advice for a persistent high fever, severe one-sided throat pain, a muffled voice, neck swelling, symptoms that improve and then sharply worsen, or illness in someone at higher risk of complications. Arrange review when the cough or sore throat is not settling, or when repeated episodes interfere with sleep, eating, or work.

Ask whether your pattern fits a viral illness, allergy, reflux, or a throat infection, and whether testing is useful. Describe the order of symptoms, fever or aches, exposure to illness, swallowing difficulty, breathing changes, and any medicines already taken. Ask which symptom-relief products are safe with pregnancy, long-term conditions, or current prescriptions.