[19F] Experiencing chills, headache, and other flu-like symptoms

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, the following conditions might be considered:

• Influenza (Flu): The flu is a common viral infection that can be deadly, especially in high-risk groups. Symptoms include a fever, cough, body aches, fatigue, and chills. Treatment often involves rest and fluids to let the body recover.

  • Antiviral medication can be prescribed by a doctor if the flu is caught early enough.

• Common Cold: A viral infection in your nose and throat. Symptoms can be very similar to the flu, but are generally milder and improve within one to two weeks.

  • Treatment involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter cold remedies to manage symptoms.

• COVID-19: This is a novel coronavirus that has become a global pandemic. It's symptoms can range from mild (or no symptoms) to severe illness. You have some symptoms of COVID-19. Get a test to rule this out.

  • Treatment involves supportive care to help relieve symptoms and for severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

What you can do

• Rest and hydrate: Regardless of the cause, your body needs energy to fight off the infection. Make sure you're getting plenty of sleep and drinking lots of fluids.
• Over-the-counter medication: Over-the-counter cold remedies can help with symptoms of both the flu and a cold.
• Get tested for COVID-19: If you have access to a COVID-19 test, it would be a good idea to get tested just in case, as your symptoms are consistent with a mild case of COVID-19.

What you should look out for

If your symptoms worsen, you should seek medical attention. This includes:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in your chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.