Vertigo after flu: what to know

A viral illness can leave you weak, dehydrated or sensitive to movement. In some people, inflammation affecting the balance part of the inner ear or its nerve causes sudden spinning, nausea and difficulty walking. Ear pressure, pain, discharge or hearing change may suggest Middle Ear Infection rather than simple recovery. Headache or light sensitivity can fit Migraine, while brief position-triggered episodes may be benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Meniere's Disease is another inner-ear condition associated with episodes of vertigo and hearing symptoms. Read the general [Vertigo](/symptoms/vertigo/) guide for symptom details.

Rest in a safe position, keep the room calm and move your head and body slowly. Take small, frequent sips of fluid and eat when able; ask a pharmacist or clinician about suitable medicines, especially if you take other treatments or are pregnant. Avoid driving, ladders and swimming alone while balance is poor. Have someone help with walking if needed. Track whether spinning is constant or comes in attacks, plus vomiting, headache, ear symptoms, fever and new weakness. A clinician can examine your ears, eye movements, walking and balance and decide whether treatment or vestibular exercises are appropriate. Do not self-treat with the Epley Manoeuvre unless positional vertigo has been confirmed.

Seek emergency help for new facial drooping, weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, double vision, severe sudden headache, fainting, confusion or inability to stand. Get urgent advice if you cannot keep fluids down, become unusually drowsy, develop severe ear pain or sudden hearing loss, or have a high fever with worsening illness. Arrange a medical review if vertigo is not improving, returns after recovery, or prevents normal walking and daily activities.

Could this be a post-viral balance problem, an ear infection, migraine or positional vertigo? Should my hearing and ears be tested? How can I prevent dehydration? Which medicines or exercises are safe for my symptoms?