What should I do for headache and sore throat?

Generally, headaches and sore throats may result from staying up late causing fatigue, overusing the voice, acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, or influenza. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve symptoms under a doctor's guidance through general management, medications, and other treatments. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Fatigue due to staying up late: Long-term sleep deprivation disrupts bodily functions and lowers immunity, leading to cerebral blood vessel spasms and dryness of the throat mucosa, resulting in headaches and sore throat. Immediately adjust your sleep schedule, ensure 7–8 hours of sleep each night, rest appropriately during the day, and drink plenty of warm water to replenish body fluids and energy.

2. Overuse of the voice: Prolonged loud speaking or shouting can damage the throat mucosa, stimulating nerves that refer pain to the head. Reduce frequency of speaking, avoid shouting, rinse your mouth with warm salt water 2–3 times daily, and suck on sugar-free lozenges to relieve throat discomfort.

3. Acute pharyngitis: Viral or bacterial infection causes acute inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, leading to redness, swelling, and pain in the throat; the inflammation may spread and be accompanied by headache. Follow your doctor’s instructions to use medications such as Pudilan Anti-inflammatory Oral Liquid, Lanqin Oral Liquid, or Compound Herba Patriniae Spray. Maintain a light, liquid-based diet and avoid foods that irritate the throat.

4. Acute tonsillitis: Infection causes the tonsils to become swollen and inflamed, intensifying pain during swallowing. The inflammatory response may cause referred pain in the head, sometimes accompanied by fever. Use medications such as Amoxicillin Capsules, Cefradine Capsules, or Penicillin V Potassium Tablets as directed by your doctor. For fever, use lukewarm water sponge baths for physical cooling to reduce discomfort.

5. Influenza: Influenza viruses invade the body, triggering systemic inflammatory responses that cause headaches and sore throats, often accompanied by high fever and fatigue. Take medications such as Oseltamivir Phosphate Capsules, Lianhua Qingwen Capsules, or Paracetamol Tablets as prescribed. Rest at home, avoid going out, and maintain indoor ventilation and disinfection.

In daily life, avoid spicy and fried foods. Eat more throat-soothing fruits like pears and apples, and vegetables rich in vitamins. Stay warm to prevent chilling, exercise regularly to boost immunity, and adopt comprehensive care measures to promote recovery and reduce symptom recurrence.