Headache, stomach ache and fatigue: what to know

A stomach ache may reflect irritation of the digestive system, while fatigue can follow poor sleep, reduced food intake, fever, or fluid loss. Viral illnesses such as Common Cold or COVID-19 can produce headache and tiredness, sometimes with digestive symptoms. Dehydration and Heat Exhaustion are more concerning possibilities after sweating, hot weather, vomiting, diarrhoea, or not drinking enough. Anxiety can also bring muscle tension, headache, nausea, and exhaustion. Dengue Fever needs medical assessment when headache occurs with fever, marked body aches, nausea, rash, or unusual bleeding, especially after mosquito exposure.

Rest somewhere cool and take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink if you have been losing fluid. Choose light meals if eating feels difficult, and record when the symptoms began, your temperature, bowel or vomiting changes, urine output, and any new rash. Avoid strenuous activity and alcohol while you feel unwell. A clinician can assess you if symptoms are worsening, recurring, or not settling, and can decide whether examination or testing is needed.

Seek urgent care for a sudden severe headache, confusion, fainting, stiff neck, trouble breathing, severe or localised abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, inability to keep fluids down, very little urine, or unusual bleeding. Heat-related symptoms with weakness, altered behaviour, or collapse also need prompt help. Arrange medical advice for persistent fatigue, recurrent attacks, or symptoms after travel to a malaria or dengue area.

Ask which causes fit the timing and combination of symptoms, whether dehydration or heat exposure is contributing, and which warning signs should change your plan. Mention medicines, recent travel, sick contacts, mosquito exposure, and any pregnancy possibility.