Body aches and nausea are symptoms that usually accompany viral infections. Most frequently, they are the result of a gastrointestinal bacterial infection. Various other infections caused by bacteria and viruses, like strep throat or chicken pox, can result in similar symptoms.
Influenza
Influenza, which is characterized principally by respiratory symptoms and fever, is an upper respiratory infection that can cause body aches and nausea in certain people. This condition is usually most prevalent during the wintertime. Airborne and highly contagious, it can be easily spread in crowded establishments like at home, restaurants, buses, etc.
Vaccination for influenza, commonly referred to as a flu shot, may also cause body aches and nausea in some individuals. The side effects caused by the shot typically last 24-48 hours. The symptoms are generally mild and affect only a small percentage of people who have been given the shot.
Food Allergies
It is also possible for food allergies to produce body aches and nausea. Generally, allergic reactions to food can lead to an upset stomach with symptoms of diarrhea and nausea. More frequently, a reaction to dairy products or eggs will result in these symptoms.
Another potential cause of nausea and body aches is food poisoning, which will upset one’s digestive tract, and cause body aches. On occasion, vomiting and fever can also occur. Typically, food poisoning occurs when food is ill-prepared or no longer fresh, and is then consumed by an individual who introduces a wealth of bacteria into his/her system. Although there are plenty of types, the most common cases are due to strains of E. Coli or Salmonella. When the immune system reacts to invading bacteria, its defensive reaction will lead to fever, which will then cause body aches.
Inflammation
A more deadly disease that can result in body aches and nausea is infection and inflammation of one’s brain known as meningitis. This condition tends to occur within the lining of one’s brain. There is a variation of this disease, known as spinal meningitis, which can affect one’s spinal column. Bacteria or viral infection can cause meningitis, and it typically appears rapidly, with no hint of illness or infection. If not treated quickly, it can be life-threatening.
Alcohol
Another cause of nausea is alcohol. When an individual consumes too much alcohol and gets alcohol poisoning, they may experience severe body aches. In extreme circumstances, alcohol poisoning can cause loss of consciousness or possibly death if not treated quickly.
STDs
Certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can lead to body aches and nausea, like gonorrhea or genital herpes. Hepatitis A, which can be transferred during intimate contact, can result in intermittent bouts of nausea along with body aches. Also, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can cause similar symptoms. If it develops into AIDS, this condition can render one’s immune system ineffective, making it very simple for one to contract dangerous and life-threatening illnesses.
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