[23F] Experiencing severe body aches, chills, and feeling hot

What might be happening

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

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

  • Treatment typically involves rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Antiviral medication may be prescribed if caught early.

• Common Cold: A viral infection in your nose and throat. While many types of viruses can cause a common cold, rhinoviruses are the most common culprit.

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

• COVID-19: A novel coronavirus that presents with varying symptoms, often including fever, cough, and body aches. Given the current pandemic, this is a consideration.

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

What you can do

1. Rest and stay hydrated: Your body needs energy to fight off the virus. Getting enough sleep can help you recover. Staying hydrated helps your body naturally eliminate the virus and reduces symptoms of fever.

2. Over-the-counter medication: Over-the-counter cold or flu medicine can help with fever and body aches.

3. Isolate yourself: If you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms, you could spread a virus. Stay home and avoid contact with other people.

4. COVID-19 test: Given the symptoms and the ongoing pandemic, it would be advisable to get a COVID-19 test.

What you should look out for

If your symptoms worsen, you should seek medical attention. Specifically, if you experience difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in your chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or bluish lips or face, these are emergency warning signs for COVID-19 and you should seek medical attention immediately.

Remember, while I can provide information based on your symptoms, I'm not a doctor and you should seek care from a health professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.