Your symptoms of whole-body aches and weakness can be caused by several conditions, often related to infections or chronic illnesses:

• Viral infections like the flu, COVID-19, or common cold commonly cause widespread body aches and weakness as your immune system fights the infection, leading to muscle soreness and fatigue

• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by extreme fatigue and muscle/joint aches that do not improve with rest, along with symptoms like headaches and sleep disturbances

• Fibromyalgia causes widespread muscle pain, fatigue, stiffness, and sensitivity, often accompanied by poor sleep and difficulty concentrating

• Other possible causes include autoimmune diseases (like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis), stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, medication side effects, or neurological conditions

If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing, or other concerning signs, you should seek medical evaluation promptly to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment. For mild cases related to viral infections or stress, rest, hydration, and over- the-counter pain relievers may help alleviate symptoms