Headache and COVID-19
Headaches and fevers are two of the most reported symptoms of COVID-19. Some people develop both, but many people develop one of these symptoms without the other. Researchers at the Hospital Universitario de La Princes in Madrid, Spain, found that patients with COVID-19 who developed headaches as an early symptom of infection had a milder illness and less risk of death.
Headaches are also one of the most reported long-haul COVID-19 symptoms. Although less common, some people also develop long-haul fevers. It is possible to develop a headache with or without a fever.
How common are headaches and fevers?
Studies have found that anywhere between 10 to 70 percent of people with COVID-19 develop headaches. About 25 percent of people experience migraine episodes, while 75 percent experience tension headaches. In an April 2021 review of studies, researchers found that among 17,515 people with COVID-19, 79.43 percent of people developed fevers. Early data shows that headaches are one of the five most reported symptoms of the Omicron variant.
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Connection between headaches and fevers
A study published in The Journal of Headache and Pain found that headaches in a group of 576 people with COVID-19 were associated with fever, being female, body aches and loss of smell. On the contrary, a December 2020 study found no connection between headaches and fevers among 112 healthcare professionals infected with COVID-19.
Are headaches a symptom of long-COVID?
Headaches with or without a fever can be a long-haul symptom of COVID-19. As per experts, headaches in the case of Omicron can be the body's inflammatory reaction as it fights off the virus. Headaches caused due to the Omicron variant also lasts for three days, even if you take painkillers regularly. More people seem to develop headaches as a long-haul symptom than fevers.
In an August 2021 review, researchers identified 55 long-term symptoms of COVID-19. They defined a long-term symptom as one persisting between 14 to 110 days after infection. Among the people in the 15 studies included in the review, more than 80 percent developed at least one long-term symptom, the most common being: fatigue (58 percent); headache (44 percent); poor concentration (27 percent); hair loss (25 percent); and shortness of breath (24 percent). Intermittent fever was reported in 11 percent of people.
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When to see a doctor for headache
If you suspect you have COVID-19, it’s important to isolate yourself from others. Most cases of COVID-19 can be treated at home with plenty of rest, but it’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you develop emergency symptoms, such as trouble breathing or chest pain. Doctors advise to seek immediate attention if your headache is paired with slurred speech or blurry vision.