Flu and sore throat: what should you know?

Influenza commonly produces a sudden, draining illness with feverishness, chills, headache, muscle aches and a dry cough; a sore throat may accompany it. A runny nose and milder symptoms may fit a common cold or allergic rhinitis. Severe throat pain with swollen tonsils, difficulty swallowing and tender neck glands can occur with tonsillitis or strep throat. Acid reflux can irritate the throat without causing a typical viral illness, while glandular fever may cause prolonged exhaustion and swollen glands. COVID-19 can overlap with flu symptoms, so symptoms alone cannot identify the virus.

Sip fluids, rest, and choose soft foods if swallowing hurts. Warm drinks, cool liquids or lozenges may soothe the throat; avoid smoke and other irritants. Check labels before combining cold remedies so you do not double up an ingredient. Antibiotics do not treat influenza or most viral sore throats, but a clinician may prescribe them when a bacterial infection is diagnosed. Stay home from close contact while feverish or acutely unwell and follow local testing advice when relevant.

Get urgent help if you cannot swallow saliva, are drooling, have noisy or difficult breathing, develop severe dehydration, become confused, or have chest pain. Arrange prompt assessment for one-sided throat swelling, a muffled voice, rapidly worsening pain, persistent high fever, or symptoms that improve and then sharply worsen. Earlier advice is sensible for young children, pregnancy, immune suppression or significant long-term illness.

Does the pattern suggest influenza, COVID-19, strep throat or another cause? Do I need an examination or test? Which pain-relief options are safe with my medicines?