[22F] Experiencing cough, chills, body aches, and fatigue

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, here are a few possibilities:

• Influenza (Flu): The flu is a common viral infection that can be deadly, especially in high-risk groups. The flu attacks the lungs, nose, and throat. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches, and fatigue.

  • Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies. Antiviral medications may be prescribed in some cases.

• Common Cold: This is a viral infection in your nose and throat. It's usually harmless, although it might not feel that way. Many types of viruses can cause a common cold. Symptoms might include runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, body aches, headache, sneezing, and low-grade fever.

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

• COVID-19: Even though you've been vaccinated and tested negative, it's still possible to contract the virus. Symptoms can range from mild to severe illness and appear 2-14 days after exposure. Symptoms may include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, body aches, and new loss of taste or smell.

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

What you can do

1. Rest and hydrate: Make sure you're getting plenty of sleep and staying hydrated. This can help your body fight off the infection.

2. Over-the-counter remedies: Over-the-counter cold and flu remedies can help alleviate symptoms such as body aches, cough, and congestion.

3. Isolate: To prevent spreading the infection to others, try to stay isolated until you're no longer experiencing symptoms.

What you should look out for

If your symptoms worsen or you start to experience difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately. If your symptoms persist for more than a week, you should also seek medical attention.

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.