Fatigue and sore throat are common symptoms of several possible illnesses. There are three causes (chronic fatigue, mononucleosis, and the flu) that are most commonly diagnosed when sore throat and fatigue are present.
Learn more about each of these common illnesses and find the treatment you need.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Its Symptoms
The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is largely unknown. Between one and four million people in the U.S. display common chronic fatigue symptoms:
- Six months or more of severe fatigue
- Short term memory loss or difficulty concentrating
- Tender lymph nodes and sore throat
- Muscle and joint pain
- Headaches
- Trouble sleeping
- Malaise
At this time, there are no specific cures for CFS, though certain lifestyle changes may help in decreasing the symptoms’ effects:
- Limit or eliminate caffeine intake
- Limit or eliminate nicotine and tobacco intake
- Avoid napping
- Avoid emotional and physical stress
Fatigue and Mononucleosis
Your fatigue and sore throat could be symptoms of mononucleosis (or mono). Mono is a contagious virus passed through infected saliva and airborne particles from a cough or sneeze.
Mono symptoms tend to appear gradually and start with:
- Severe fatigue
- Sore throat
- Headache
- A general feeling of discomfort
As the infection worsens, the sore throat will likely get more painful and the lymph nodes will usually become swollen. Some additional symptoms that may reveal themselves include:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches
- Rash
Mononucleosis treatment is focused on relieving symptoms until the mono has run its course.
Some methods of reducing fatigue and sore throat caused by mono include:
- Increased fluid intake
- Bed rest
- Gargling with salt water
- Using cough drops
- Over-the-counter medication, such as Tylenol, to reduce fever and throat pain
Flu Symptoms and Relief
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that frequently causes fatigue and sore throat. Much like mono, saliva and air borne pathogens help spread the flu virus.
In addition to sudden and excessive fatigue and sore throat symptoms, you may experience:
- Body aches and chills
- A cough
- Fever
- Gastrointestinal problems
Bed rest and plenty of fluids are typically the best treatments for overcoming the flu. A healthcare professional may prescribe an antiviral medication, which can sometimes cause symptoms to ease faster than through rest and fluids alone.
Find Relief for Your Fatigue and Sore Throat
It’s never too early to talk to your healthcare provider about uncomfortable symptoms you are experiencing, such as fatigue and a sore throat. At FastMed Urgent Care, we work with you to fight off any non-life threatening illness you are facing and to prevent it from compromising your quality of life.
Our care facilities are open for extended weekday hours and on the weekend, and you can simply walk right in; no appointment needed! We’re here to help diagnose your fatigue and sore throat symptoms and quickly get you back on the road to recovery.
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Sources:
Everyday Health: https://www.everydayhealth.com/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-basics.aspx
Livestrong: https://www.livestrong.com/article
MayoClinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/basics/treatment
MedicineNet: http://www.medicinenet.com/infectious_mononucleosis/page5
MNT: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles
WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-topic-overview