Headache, body aches and chills: what to know

Headache with body aches and chills often reflects an illness affecting the whole body, so rest, fluids and symptom monitoring are sensible first steps. Fever may be present, but chills can also occur as your body adjusts its temperature. The combination does not identify one cause by itself.

A viral respiratory illness such as the Common Cold or COVID-19 can cause headache, muscle aches, tiredness and chills. Sinus inflammation may add facial pressure or a blocked nose; see Chronic Sinusitis for related symptoms. In the UAE, heat exposure and fluid loss can also cause headache, weakness, cramps, nausea or dizziness, which can fit Heat Exhaustion or Dehydration. Dengue Fever is another illness to consider after mosquito exposure, especially with fever, marked aches, pain behind the eyes, nausea or a rash. Allergic Rhinitis can cause a headache and nasal symptoms, but chills and widespread body aches are less typical.

The pattern, how quickly it began, your temperature, recent travel or heat exposure, and any other symptoms help a clinician decide whether you need testing or examination.

Rest in a cool, comfortable place and sip water or an oral rehydration drink if you can keep fluids down. Wear light clothing and avoid strenuous activity. Check your temperature and note when the symptoms started, whether they are worsening, and whether you have cough, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash or breathing symptoms. Follow the label for any familiar fever or pain medicine, and check with a pharmacist if you are pregnant, have liver or kidney disease, take blood thinners, or are considering medicine for a child. Avoid antibiotics unless prescribed. Stay home from close contact while feverish or while a contagious infection is possible.

Seek emergency help for a sudden, extremely severe headache; confusion, fainting, a seizure, a stiff neck, new weakness or trouble speaking; difficulty breathing; chest pain; or repeated vomiting with inability to keep fluids down. Get urgent assessment after a recent head injury, or if a high fever is accompanied by a rash or severe drowsiness. Arrange medical advice if symptoms are getting worse, do not start improving, keep returning, or follow substantial heat exposure. Dengue can involve bleeding or severe abdominal pain, so seek prompt care if those occur, particularly after travel or mosquito exposure.

Ask: What causes best fit the timing and symptom pattern? Do I need a COVID-19 test or another examination? Could heat exposure or dehydration be contributing? Which pain or fever medicine is suitable with my health conditions and current medicines? What changes should prompt urgent review?