Terrible body aches: what they may mean

Body aches may come from an infection such as influenza, COVID-19, dengue fever, malaria or brucellosis, especially when fever, chills, headache, cough, sore throat, rash or marked tiredness are present. Muscle strain, dehydration, poor sleep and prolonged physical effort can also hurt. Persistent widespread pain with unrefreshing sleep may occur with fibromyalgia, while low thyroid activity can cause aches with cold intolerance, constipation or sluggishness. Long COVID can be considered when symptoms continue after an earlier infection. Muscle aches alone cannot identify one condition.

Rest from strenuous activity, drink fluids regularly and use gentle movement if it does not worsen pain. Note your temperature, where the pain is, when it began, recent exercise, travel, insect exposure, sick contacts and any new medicine. Use pain relief only as directed on the label and check with a pharmacist if pregnant, if you have liver or kidney disease, stomach problems or take other medicines. Arrange a clinical assessment when aches are severe, unexplained, recurrent or not improving, particularly after travel or a tick or animal exposure.

Seek urgent care for trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, fainting, a stiff neck with fever, severe weakness, a rapidly spreading rash, very dark urine, inability to keep fluids down or severe pain after heat exposure. Fever with significant aches after travel to a malaria-risk area needs urgent assessment. Seek prompt review for muscle pain with swelling, weakness, persistent fever or reduced urine.

Explain when the aches started, whether they are in muscles or joints, whether fever or weakness is present, and what makes them better or worse. Mention travel, outdoor exposure, recent infections, exercise, medicines, sleep quality and any rash, cough, diarrhoea or urinary changes.