Fatigue & Sore Throat: Meaning, Causes & Treatment

Key takeaways:

• Sore throats and fatigue are common symptoms.
• Proper hydration and symptomatic care are usually enough for combating sore throats and fatigue.
• It may be wise to seek medical care when you experience prolonged sore throat and fatigue, especially when accompanied by fever.

Having a sore throat is uncomfortable enough. When it’s accompanied by extreme fatigue, the pain and trouble swallowing can feel even worse – making you feel miserable.

The most common reasons for a combination of sore throat and fatigue are allergies, the common cold, throat inflammation, and sinus infections. Depending on which of those ailments is the culprit, your symptoms may range from mild to severe. It’s important to know how to tell the difference between symptoms, and to recognize when you may need medical attention.

Possible causes of extreme fatigue and a sore throat

Fatigue

Feeling tired or exhausted can cause aches and pains, such as a sore or dry throat. Getting rest often helps relieve these symptoms. Many of us experience this throat discomfort, and there is nothing wrong.

On the other hand, a bad sore throat can keep us awake and make us tired. We may experience a sore throat after being around someone sick, from changes in the weather or seasons, traveling, or someone who smokes.

Allergies

Many people suffer when different plants and flowers bloom, especially in the spring and fall or after exposure to dust or other things. Sore throat and fatigue result from inflammation of the lining of the nose and sinuses, along with other symptoms such as nasal congestion, nasal itching, dry eyes, and sneezing.

Managed allergies can help us manage sore throats and fatigue. The best strategy is to avoid whatever is causing the allergic reaction in the first place. You may also consider using over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines and consulting your doctor for allergy testing.

Common cold

Many of us have experienced sore throats and fatigue without feeling genuinely sick. Common cold symptoms can begin with sore throats and fatigue and then progress to other symptoms, such as nasal stuffiness.

We all recognize sore throats and fatigue when exposed to cold weather in winter. Interestingly, the word "cold" describes when you may suffer from a common cold. There are hundreds of different viruses that can cause the common cold.

Throat inflammation

Sore throats and fatigue may result from an irritated or inflamed throat lining. Post-nasal drainage can irritate the back of the throat from the common cold, allergies, or sinus infections. While viruses cause the most sore throats and fatigue, more serious infections of the throat can also cause them.

The most common bacterial infection of the throat is strep throat, caused by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci.

Sinus infection

Sinus infections are usually the result of a viral upper respiratory infection. They cause sore throat, fatigue, headache, facial pain, and nasal stuffiness. Many sinus infections begin as the common cold first, but not all common colds cause sinus infections.

How to tell the difference

Sore throats and fatigue may have many causes, some of which overlap. Even your doctor may have difficulty distinguishing between allergies, common colds, throat inflammation, or sinus infections. Fortunately, rest and supportive care without seeing a doctor improve most sore throats and fatigue. In rare cases, you may need to see an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist who can perform specialized tests to decide what treatment is best in your situation.

What if you’re experiencing severe fatigue, a sore throat, and other symptoms?

Many other symptoms can come along with a sore throat and extreme fatigue. These symptoms can give you essential information about what might be wrong and how to care for yourself. They can also help you decide if seeing a doctor is a good idea. Many doctors follow the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases guidelines to devise the best treatment plan or advice for you.

Fatigue, sore throat, and headache

Most of us who experience sore throats and fatigue do not experience headaches. A headache may be more of an indication of a sinus infection. You should see your doctor and discuss your symptoms.

Fatigue, sore throat, and a stuffy or runny nose

A stuffy or runny nose is typical, with sore throats and fatigue. Most people with the common cold or a sinus infection have stuffy noses. Those with allergies usually complain more a runny nose.

Fatigue, sore throat, and diarrhea

Sore throats and fatigue usually do not happen simultaneously with diarrhea. Most people with symptoms of stomach upset or diarrhea have some type of viral illness or food poisoning. Treatment includes hydration and supportive care.

Fatigue, sore throat, and nausea

Similar to diarrhea symptoms, nausea does not occur often, with sore throat and fatigue. Instead of being caused by a viral illness or something you ate, nausea more often occurs as a result of nasal stuffiness or drainage. The reason is that your body may be producing more mucus than usual and that mucus causes throat irritation and, therefore, fatigue.

Fatigue, sore throat, and chills

It is uncommon to experience chills, sore throats, and fatigue, but when you do, it may be a sign that you have a fever. Fever may mean you have a viral (most common) or bacterial infection like sinusitis rather than allergies. If your fever does not come down and lasts, it may be wise to contact your doctor. Over-the-counter medications may help, but not always.

How to treat or get rid of a sore throat and severe fatigue

Most sore throats and severe fatigue can be treated safely and effectively at home by treating the symptoms, not the cause. Reassurance and rest are usually all that is needed.

Over-the-counter or at-home remedies

These are known as symptomatic or symptom-based treatments for sore throat and fatigue. Humidification, hydration, warm saline oral rinses, and nasal sprays help moisturize the throat and clear post-nasal drainage.

Drinking plenty of fluids is essential. It is also a good idea to clean or change your toothbrush to prevent reinfection or spreading the possible infection to others. Avoid gargling with harsh chemicals or alcohol.

Most people are advised to avoid spicy foods, but ingesting some spicy foods and peppers can actually help our throats, but you should exercise caution. Chili peppers and hot sauce are excellent examples because they contain capsaicin, a natural compound that may break up mucus and help with sore throats and fatigue.

Ibuprofen and acetaminophen

These medications control sore throat, fatigue, and fever. Both are helpful for these symptoms. Ibuprofen may be more effective for some, while acetaminophen helps others better. You may need to try both at different times to see which is best for you. Be careful to follow the correct dosing on the package since these medicines come in various forms, particularly in children.

Cough medicines and other products

Many over-the-counter products are available in every drug and grocery store, and they can help with sore throats and fatigue. Most medications include ingredients that help to dry up mucus or make it thinner so it will no longer cause sore throat or fatigue. Some medicines contain decongestants, which should be used with caution. Decongestants may temporarily help you breathe better, but they can have adverse effects on people with anxiety, heart disease, high blood pressure, enlarged prostate, and pregnant or lactating women.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines may be helpful for sore throats and fatigue. Most antihistamines help dry up mucus and stop throat irritation. Antihistamines can also reduce sneezing, itchy and water eye symptoms, and even alleviate headaches. There are two main kinds of oral antihistamines: ones that may make you drowsy and those that are not sedating. It is always best to try one that doesn’t worsen your fatigue when you have a sore throat.

When should you see a healthcare provider about a sore throat and fatigue?

Most cases of sore throat and fatigue are self-limited, meaning your symptoms will disappear independently after a few days. If the symptoms persist or worsen, you should seek advice from your medical professional.

You should see a doctor if you experience:

• High fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash develops

You should go to the emergency room if you experience:

• Neck stiffness, swelling, or pain with extension
• Worsening difficulty swallowing or drooling
• Trouble breathing or strange sounds while breathing

Frequently asked questions: fatigue and a sore throat

A sore throat may result from inflammation, irritation, or an infection of the back of the throat. It may be accompanied by fatigue. Diagnosis and treatment are usually done at home, except in certain circumstances.

What if you’ve been feeling fatigue and a sore throat for two weeks or longer?

Prolonged sore throat and fatigue may indicate a more severe infection, including a bacterial pathogen. It may require further evaluation, including a rapid Strep test, throat culture, mono spot for infectious mononucleosis, and blood counts.

Can COVID cause fatigue and a sore throat?

Most people who experience COVID complain of fever, chills, and shortness of breath. Sore throat and fatigue may not be the only symptoms. Remember, sore throat and fatigue can be caused by many illnesses other than COVID. If you are concerned about COVID, it may be wise to check with your healthcare professional and obtain a COVID test.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Pallabi Sanyal-Dey, MD.

Sources

Pappas D. E. (2018). The Common Cold. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, 199–202.e1. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-40181-4.00026-8