Stiff neck with sore throat, headache, fatigue and earache

The throat, tonsils, nose and ears are closely connected, so swelling or congestion in one area can create pressure or referred pain in another. The common cold, influenza and COVID-19 may bring tiredness, headache, throat discomfort and body aches together. Tonsillitis or strep throat can cause a painful throat and swollen glands; glandular fever can also cause pronounced fatigue and swollen glands. Allergic rhinitis may cause post-nasal drainage and throat irritation, while acid reflux can irritate the throat without causing a typical infection. Earache can come from congestion, the throat or the ear itself.

Rest, drink fluids and choose soft foods if swallowing hurts. Warm drinks, cool fluids or a salt-water gargle may soothe the throat if safe for you. Keep your head slightly raised when resting if congestion is uncomfortable, and avoid smoke. Check your temperature and note whether the pain is one-sided, whether hearing changes, and whether swallowing or breathing is becoming harder. Use only medicines suitable for you and follow their label; antibiotics do not treat viral illnesses.

Get emergency help for difficulty breathing, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, a muffled voice, severe one-sided throat swelling, confusion, a seizure or a stiff neck with severe headache and fever. Seek prompt assessment if symptoms are rapidly worsening, dehydration prevents drinking, ear pain is severe, or you develop a rash with marked illness. Arrange a review when symptoms persist, recur or fatigue is unusually heavy.

Ask whether your throat and ear need examination or testing, whether a viral illness is more likely than a bacterial throat infection, and which symptom relief is suitable. Mention fever, exposure to illness, swollen glands, cough, nasal symptoms, reflux, hearing changes and how long fatigue has affected you.