Headache, Earache, Sore Throat and Fatigue

A common cold or influenza can present with sore throat, headache, tiredness, blocked ears, or ear discomfort. COVID-19 may also present with headache, sore throat, and fatigue, sometimes with cough or fever. Tonsillitis can cause a painful throat, difficulty swallowing, swollen neck glands, and referred ear pain. Strep throat can present with a sore throat, fever, tender neck glands, and headache; testing may be needed before treatment. Glandular fever can cause pronounced fatigue, sore throat, swollen glands, and headache. Allergic rhinitis may irritate the throat and block the ears, while acid reflux can repeatedly irritate the throat. Earache can also come from pressure or inflammation nearby, so symptoms alone do not identify one cause.

Rest, drink fluids, and choose soft foods or warm drinks if swallowing hurts. Saline nasal spray or humidified air may ease congestion; avoid inserting cotton buds or other objects into the ear. Follow local advice about staying away from others when fever or a contagious infection is possible. A pharmacist or clinician can advise on suitable pain relief, particularly if you take other medicines, are pregnant, or have a long-term condition. Arrange an assessment if symptoms are worsening, persist, or make eating, drinking, hearing, or sleep difficult.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing or swallowing, drooling, inability to drink, severe dehydration, confusion, a stiff neck, a sudden severe headache, or swelling around the ear or neck. Prompt assessment is needed for severe ear pain, new hearing loss, fluid or blood from the ear, or a fever that is high or persistent. Do not delay care if you feel rapidly worse or unusually weak.

Ask whether your throat, ear, and general symptoms suggest one illness or separate problems, whether testing is appropriate, and which treatments are safe for you. Share the onset, fever, cough, nasal symptoms, exposure to illness, hearing changes, and any difficulty swallowing.