Causes of Fever, Headache and Fatigue

The dreaded trio – headache, fatigue and fever, are often associated with cold and flu and can be common in both adults and children. But we don’t need to tell you that, you’ve no doubt experienced them all come a-calling in your home at one time or another.

Did you know headache is a very common symptom reported by Australians? In fact, around 15% of people are taking medicine for a headache at any given time. I guess it’s good to know you’re not alone when it comes to wanting pain relief. Headaches associated with cold and flu are normally known as “secondary headaches”, that is a headache that is linked to another condition, in this case a head cold.

So along with that pounding headache you can feel weak and tired with a cold right? That’s fatigue and it’s a symptom that can be physical, mental or a combination of both. Fatigue can present in many ways including sleepiness, sore or aching muscles, muscle weakness, slowed reflexes, poor concentration, moodiness, and low motivation. That’s often why when you’re hit with a heavy cold you want to stay in bed, and don’t even have the energy to check your phone to see what’s happening on Facebook. For your kids, you know something is up when they don’t want to play their favourite weekend sport, or are struggling more than usual with their homework.

Have you ever noticed when you get sick with a cold, a fever is not the most prominent member of the trio, but when your kids get sick it suddenly becomes the front man? In fact, the presence of fever in adults can be a warning sign of something more serious, so it’s always good to seek medical advice if you have fever-like symptoms.

What temperature is considered a fever? Normal body temperature is around 37°C, a mild fever is around 39°C and anything over 40°C is considered high and you should seek medical attention. For your little ones, body temperature isn’t always a reliable indicator, so trust your instincts, as it can be a warning of something more serious, when you should seek medical advice.

So, what is behind these symptoms? Headache, fever and fatigue appear as a result of the body’s defence mechanism in response to infection. Just like you protect your children, your body is trying to protect you. How does it actually work? Well, your body releases molecules called cytokines from immune cells to help fight the infection of cold and flu which can trigger symptoms like headache, fever or fatigue.

Having the right tools on hand can help you get on top of these symptoms and help you and your family get back to enjoying life without the dreaded trio.

Fever, Headache and Fatigue Relief and Prevention

A key thing you and your family can do to help relieve the symptoms of headache, fever and fatigue is to drink plenty of fluids and get a lot of rest. Sounds simple enough, but you know it can make a big difference!

In addition to fluids and rest you may want to reach for over-the-counter options that can provide relief of these symptoms. For example, a product that contains paracetamol can work as both an analgesic to help relieve pain like headaches and an antipyretic to help reduce fever.

Look for the Demazin range of products as they have been specifically formulated to help provide relief of cold and flu symptoms like headache and fever.

Always speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns about your symptoms.

Frequently asked questions about Fever, Headache and Fatigue symptoms

A.

Here are some examples of when you should see a doctor: if you are still feverish after three days (despite over-the-counter medicines), your temperature is over 40°C, you have a fever with a headache and stiff neck.

A.

Consider using over-the-counter medicines that contain an analgesic, e.g. paracetamol. Demazin has a day or day/night tablet product which helps to relieve symptoms of a cold and flu plus contain paracetamol, an analgesic which may help to relieve a headache.

A.

Yes, fever is not a common symptom of the common cold.