Overview
The current outbreak of COVID-19 caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 has left people with many concerns and is affecting the population worldwide. Experts have determined several symptoms of this virus. Here in this blog, we will discuss some of the common symptoms associated of COVID-19 and headache as one of its significant symptoms.
Summary
- Headache is one of the most common COVID symptoms, but at what point of the disease it appears is still undetermined.
- In many cases, COVID-19 can cause severe illness within 5 to 8 days.
- Headache may appear before or after the identification of COVID-19.
- The late occurrence of headaches possibly being related to worsening illness.
- Reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have demonstrated that about 11 to 34 percent of patients have experienced Coronavirus headaches.
- Characteristics of COVID-19 headache are not adequately defined by the experts, due to which differentiating the COVID-19 headache and other headache types are difficult.
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. It attacks your lungs and affects them adversely. Various symptoms have been identified for COVID-19; one of the apparent symptoms is a headache.
Is headache a sign of COVID-19, and how can you differentiate between a sinus, migraine, or a tension headache? To get an interesting insight into all these questions, continue reading, as we will discuss the types of headaches and the symptoms that may accompany COVID-19.
Is Headache a Symptom of Coronavirus?
Headache is one of the potential COVID-19 symptoms, but at what point of the disease it appears is still not determined. According to some reported trusted sources, it may arise prior to or later in the infection phase. The late appearance of a headache is possibly related to worsening illness.
In people suffering from migraines, headaches can be a symptom of COVID-19. In such cases, it is reported that headache occurs even before the appearance of typical COVID-19 symptoms, such as cough and fever.
According to research, 11 to 34 percent of patients have experienced a Coronavirus headache. This calculation is in line with reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO). It is found that headache is a more common symptom in individuals whose age is less than 65.
How Does a COVID-19 Feel Like?
Headaches are a common complaint associated with health. It may confuse whether your headache is because of COVID-19 or not. Headache due to COVID-19 may feel like a tight, squeezing feeling around your head. It can be caused due to the cytokine storm leading to inflammation and pain.
COVID-19 headache traits are not adequately defined by the experts, due to which it is hard to differentiate between the COVID-19 headache and other headache types.
Some of the characteristics related to COVID-19 headache are mentioned below:
- Moderate to severe intensified pain.
- Pulsing or pressing sensation.
- Bilateral (Appears on both sides of your head).
- May get worse when you bend over.
Difference Between Migraine and Coronavirus Headache
People who are already suffering from migraine attacks are more likely to experience moderate to severe Coronavirus headaches. But it does not occur with other common migraine signs like sensitivity to sound and light. Unlike headaches resulting from migraines, it appears along with the fever. In migraine or other types of headaches like sinus or tension headache, fever does not occur.
In case you develop a migraine and are worried about COVID-19, check your temperature and evaluate other additional signs. If you are suffering from fever or have any other indications of COVID-19, you might need to get tested for the infection.
Headache Treatments
If you have a headache because of COVID-19 or any other underlying reasons, you can ease or get relief from your headache pain by following simple steps that are mentioned below:
- Use over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications. Taking an OTC pain medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen may help with headache relief and reducing fever.
- The application of a cold compress on your forehead may help in getting relief from headache pain. You can also utilize it to cool down your body temperature.
- A gentle massage around your forehead while experiencing a headache will help in getting rid of headache symptoms.
- Take some rest in case of a severe headache.
When to Seek Medical Care?
In several cases, this infection can lead to severe illness within 5 to 8 days. If you experience any of the below-mentioned covid symptoms, you need to seek immediate medical help:
- Difficulty in breathing.
- Pain or pressure on your chest.
- The appearance of bluish color in your face, lips, or nails.
- Trouble in staying awake or face difficulty in walking.
Suppose you feel that your headache is not typical, and there is something that doesn’t seem right. In that case, it is highly advisable to check other signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and consult with your medical care provider on an immediate basis.
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