Sore throat, cough and runny nose

A Common Cold commonly irritates the nose and throat and can trigger a cough as mucus drains backwards. Influenza or COVID-19 may also cause respiratory symptoms, with tiredness, aches, or a sudden change in how unwell you feel. Allergic Rhinitis can cause a clear runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and throat irritation, often without feeling generally ill. Strep Throat and Tonsillitis more often cause prominent throat pain and may not produce a runny nose or cough, but a clinician may need to examine you when pain is severe.

Rest and drink enough to keep your urine pale. Warm drinks, honey for adults and children over one year, and soft foods may soothe the throat. Saline spray can help a runny or blocked nose. Cover coughs, wash hands, and avoid close contact while you feel unwell. Ask a pharmacist about pain relief or other products if you have a long-term condition, are pregnant, or take regular medicines.

Seek emergency help for breathing difficulty, chest pain, blue lips, severe drowsiness, or inability to swallow fluids. Arrange medical advice if symptoms are worsening, drinking becomes difficult, a cough becomes severe, or you develop marked weakness. Consider testing or clinician advice after a relevant exposure to COVID-19 or when you are at higher risk from respiratory illness.

Does this pattern suggest a cold, allergy, or another infection? Would testing change my care? Which treatments are suitable for my age and other medicines? When can I safely return to work, school, or usual activities?