Coronavirus: How to spot a COVID-19 headache? Symptoms to note

The novel coronavirus is likely to cause a wide range of symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body ache and fatigue. Additionally, you may also experience unusual symptoms such as loss of sense of smell and taste along with gastrointestinal issues. But according to the UK's ZOE symptoms study app is among the five most reported symptoms of the Omicron variant, first discovered in South Africa.

Also read: Coronavirus or gut issues? How to differentiate between the two

The SARs-CoV-2 virus is said to cause headaches that resemble tension headaches or a migraine.

Tension headaches can induce mild to moderate pain, leading to tightness, or pressure around your forehead or the back of your head and neck.

On the other hand, a migraine can cause severe throbbing pain, a pounding sensation, usually on one side of the head. This can also be accompanied by vomiting and nausea.

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Headache is said to be one of the most common neurological symptoms of COVID-19 that could linger on even after all the other symptoms have disappeared.

A 2020 study found that out of 130 participants positive with COVID-19, 74.6 percent had mild to moderate headaches. One-quarter of the patients had severe migraine-like headaches and it was noted that it was one of the earliest symptoms to appear.

Another study published in PubMed Central found that people who had COVID headaches developed tension headaches. Some of the characteristics include:

- Moderate to severe pain

- Pain on both sides of the head

- Pain around the forehead including sides of the head and around the eyes

- Tightness or pulsing sensation

- Little response to OTC medications

The study also notes that a quarter of the participants experience headaches resembling a migraine. Symptoms include throbbing pain usually on one side of the head along with nausea and vomiting and a sensivity to light, smell, or touch.

Long COVID has become a common phenomenon when it comes to COVID-19. It refers to symptoms that last for weeks and months after recovery.

According to a 2022 study published in The Journal of Headache and Pain, out of 288 people with COVID-19, 22.2% developed neurological symptoms, of which 69.1% had headaches.

The headaches lasted for 7 days for most people. However, 18% of the people who had headaches battled the symptom for more than 30 days, while 10 percent for 3 months.

If you experience mild to moderate headaches, it could mean anything.

In light of a headache accompanied by symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body ache and fatigue, get yourself tested immediately.

A rapid or an RT PCR test is the best way to tell whether you have the infection or not.

In case of severe headaches, it is imperative that you consult your doctors for a proper diagnosis.

In order to manage your headache at home, you can take an over-the-counter medication (with a prescription from your physician). Additionally, rest can make a whole lot of difference. Massage your forehead and temples to get instant relief and drink plenty of water, since dehydration can also cause headaches and dizziness.