[22F] Experiencing sore throat, cough, fatigue, headache, and dizziness

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Common Cold: This is a viral infection that primarily affects the nose and throat. It is 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, low-grade fever, and general malaise or feeling unwell.

  • Treatment is usually supportive, including rest, hydration, and over-the-counter cold remedies.

• Influenza (Flu): This is a more severe viral infection that can cause fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and some people may have vomiting and diarrhea.

  • Treatment can include antiviral medications if started early in the disease course, as well as supportive care.

• COVID-19: Given the ongoing pandemic, this is a possibility. Symptoms can range from mild to severe illness, and appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms can include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

  • Testing is recommended to confirm diagnosis. Treatment is usually supportive, but may include antiviral medications in severe cases.

• Asthma exacerbation: Given your history of asthma and symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and quickened heart rate, it's possible that your asthma is not well-controlled at the moment.

  • Treatment involves using your prescribed inhalers and potentially seeking medical attention if symptoms do not improve.

What you can do

1. Rest and hydrate: Regardless of the cause, rest and hydration are key to recovery.

2. Over-the-counter remedies: Over-the-counter cold remedies can help with symptom relief.

3. Use your inhalers: Continue to use your prescribed inhalers as directed by your doctor. If you find that you're needing to use your Albuterol inhaler more frequently than usual, this may be a sign that your asthma is not well-controlled and you should seek medical attention.

4. Seek medical attention: If your symptoms worsen, you develop a high fever, or your symptoms persist for more than a week, you should seek medical attention.

What you should look out for

• Difficulty breathing or worsening shortness of breath
• High fever
• Symptoms that persist for more than a week
• Symptoms that initially improve but then worsen

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may need different management. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care.