Sore throat and body pain: what to know

Influenza, COVID-19 and Common Cold can cause throat irritation together with aching muscles or joints. Fever, poor sleep and reduced fluid intake may make pain feel more widespread. The aching can start before, during or after throat symptoms.

Strep Throat or Tonsillitis may cause fever and a painful throat with a general unwell feeling. Glandular Fever can cause throat pain, swollen glands and ongoing fatigue. Acid Reflux and Allergic Rhinitis may irritate the throat, but widespread body pain suggests looking for another accompanying cause.

Rest and drink regularly; warm or cool fluids may soothe the throat depending on your preference. Choose light foods and avoid strenuous exercise while feverish or aching. Check whether you can swallow, urinate normally and move around safely without dizziness.

Ask a pharmacist about pain relief that suits your health conditions and existing medicines. Follow package directions and avoid combining products that contain the same ingredient. Do not use leftover antibiotics, because they are not useful for viral causes.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, fainting, severe dehydration, inability to swallow fluids or rapidly worsening neck swelling. Contact a clinician if pain is severe, symptoms worsen instead of easing, fever persists, or the body pain is accompanied by a new rash or unusual weakness.

Ask whether you need an examination or test, which cause best matches the fever and pain pattern, what medicines are safe, and when to return to work, school or exercise.