[22F] Experiencing fever, dry cough, and headache

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the most likely causes of your symptoms include:

• Common Cold: A viral infection in your nose and throat. It's usually harmless, although it might not feel that way. The common cold often results in a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, slight body aches or a mild headache, sneezing, and low-grade fever.

  • Treatment for a common cold is usually supportive, meaning it involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies to help with symptoms.

• Influenza (Flu): A viral infection that attacks your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs. Influenza is commonly called the flu, but it's not the same as stomach "flu" viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.

  • Treatment for the flu can involve rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies. Antiviral drugs may be an option if you are at high risk of complications.

• COVID-19: A viral infection caused by a new coronavirus introduced to humans for the first time. It is spread from person to person mainly through the droplets produced when an infected person speaks, coughs or sneezes. Symptoms can include fever, cough, and body aches.

  • Treatment for COVID-19 depends on the severity of symptoms. Mild cases often require rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies. Severe cases may require hospitalization.

What you can do

• Rest and hydrate: Regardless of the cause of your symptoms, rest and hydration are key to your recovery. Try to get plenty of sleep and drink lots of fluids.
• Over-the-counter remedies: Over-the-counter cold remedies can help you feel better, but they won't make your cold go away any faster. Always take these as directed.
• Isolate: If you have a fever and a cough, it's important that you isolate from others as much as possible. You should wear a mask around others, especially vulnerable populations like the elderly or immunocompromised.
• Get tested for COVID-19: Given the current pandemic, it's important to get tested for COVID-19 if you have a fever and cough.

What you should look out for

• Difficulty breathing: If you start to have trouble breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
• Symptoms get worse: If your symptoms get worse or don't improve after a week, you should consult with a healthcare professional.
• High fever: If your fever is very high or lasts for more than a few days, 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 accurate information.