Couple days ago I had a sore throat on the left side and an ear ache in my left ear. Now I m tired, feeling dizzy, coughing, and when I inhale through my mouth I get this taste in my throat like I m inhaling hot sauce. It s been hot here and I wonder if it s heat related or just a summer bug. I have to say though I ve never felt this way...I ll be 50 yrs old in a couple weeks. I have slight hypertension , 5-11, 210 lbs.