[45M] Experiencing nausea, headache, cough, and sore throat

What might be happening

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

• Common Cold: This is a viral infection of your nose and throat. It's usually harmless, although it might not feel that way. Common cold symptoms include a runny nose, congestion, cough, and sore throat. Headaches and nausea are less common but can occur.

  • Treatment for the common cold is supportive, meaning it's aimed at relieving symptoms while your body fights off the virus. This includes rest, hydration, and over-the-counter cold remedies.

• Influenza (Flu): This is a common viral infection that can be deadly, especially in high-risk groups. The flu attacks the lungs, nose, and throat. Symptoms include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and sometimes nausea and vomiting.

  • Treatment for the flu can include antiviral drugs if prescribed within the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter flu remedies can also help.

• Migraine: This is a type of headache characterized by intense pain and often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Some people may also have a prodrome phase, where they experience changes in mood, energy levels, behavior, and appetite, and sometimes physical symptoms.

  • Treatment for migraines includes pain relieving medications and preventive medications.

• Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites. Viral gastroenteritis is particularly common and is highly infectious. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headache, watery diarrhea, and abdominal cramping.

  • Treatment for gastroenteritis is usually home care with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies for control of symptoms.

Please remember that while these are possible causes, they are not exhaustive and other conditions may also cause similar symptoms. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

1. Rest and stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, or an oral rehydration solution. Avoid caffeinated drinks as they can lead to dehydration.
2. Over-the-counter medication can help with symptoms such as headache and sore throat.
3. Avoid close contact with others to prevent them from getting sick if you have a viral infection like the flu or a cold.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your symptoms persist or get worse over time.
• You have high fever (temperature over 100.4°F).
• You are unable to keep liquids down due to excessive vomiting.
• You have severe abdominal pain.
• You have signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst, dry mouth, deep yellow urine, little or no urine, and severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness.