How to Get Relief from a COVID-19 Headache: Best Strategies & Tips
Fluids, rest, and gentle movement can ease infection-induced head pain during recovery.
How to Get Relief from a COVID-19 Headache
Headaches are a common and often persistent symptom experienced by many people during or after a COVID-19 infection. While these headaches can range in intensity and duration, they frequently cause significant discomfort, affecting daily activities and overall quality of life. Understanding why these headaches occur, what remedies offer relief, and when to seek medical advice is crucial for effective recovery and ongoing health management.
Understanding COVID-19 Headaches
COVID-19 headaches can manifest in various ways, sometimes resembling tension headaches or migraines. Individuals may experience symptoms such as:
- Moderate to severe head pain that can occur on one or both sides
- Pressure sensations across the forehead or around the eyes
- Throbbing or pulsing pain
- Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell
- Nausea or vomiting in more severe cases
These headaches may differ from those you have had before, feeling more intense, longer-lasting, or not responding well to usual treatments. Although a headache alone does not guarantee a COVID-19 diagnosis, when combined with other symptoms (like fever, congestion, or loss of taste/smell), it can indicate the virus is present.
What Causes Headaches During COVID-19?
The exact cause of headaches during or after COVID-19 remains under study, but several factors play a role:
- Inflammation: The virus induces an inflammatory response, which can irritate nerves and tissues in the head.
- Dehydration and fever: When your body is fighting the virus, fever and inadequate fluid intake may lead to dehydration—a known headache trigger.
- Sinus congestion: Nasal or sinus congestion common with COVID-19 can cause pressure headaches.
- Neurological effects: Some research suggests COVID-19 might directly impact the nervous system in certain individuals, leading to persistent or severe headaches.
How to Get Relief from a COVID-19 Headache
There is no instant or unique cure for a COVID-19 headache. Instead, the path to relief relies on tried-and-tested headache care, good lifestyle habits, and symptom management. Medical experts recommend the following strategies:
1. Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
- Take medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) as directed on the package for pain relief.
- Despite early pandemic concerns, both types are considered safe for managing COVID-19 symptoms unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise.
2. Prioritize Hydration
- Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich fluids. Dehydration is a key trigger for headaches because it causes the brain to contract and increases pressure on nerves.
- Chicken soup, smoothies, and even sports drinks can help maintain balance if you struggle with appetite.
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3. Maintain Regular Nourishment
- Don’t skip meals—even if your appetite is low. Low blood sugar can worsen headaches.
- Choose simple, nutritious options like oatmeal, eggs, toast, or blended foods if chewing or solid food feels unappealing.
4. Get Enough Rest and Quality Sleep
- Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
- Once your acute illness subsides, try to re-establish your regular sleep-wake schedule, which helps reduce fatigue and improves headache recovery.
5. Use Home Remedies and Comfort Measures
- Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the forehead or neck to ease acute pain. Wrap the ice pack to protect your skin.
- Take a warm shower or inhale steam to help with headaches related to sinus pressure or congestion.
- Massage the temples, neck, or shoulders gently to relieve muscle tension triggers.
6. Manage Stress
- Stress often intensifies headaches. Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or gentle stretching to lower stress while you recover.
7. Listen to Your Body and Adjust Activity
- While vigorous exercise may worsen symptoms in the acute phase, gentle movement such as light stretching or walking can be beneficial once you’re ready.
- Start slow—especially after long periods of inactivity—and gradually increase your physical activity as tolerated.
8. Limit Environmental Triggers
- If strong lights, loud noises, or strong smells worsen your headache, seek a quiet, dim, and calm environment until relief is achieved.
9. Stay Up-to-Date with Vaccinations
- Keeping current with COVID-19 vaccines, especially updated bivalent boosters, may help reduce the risk of developing long-term symptoms, including lingering headaches.
10. Talk to Your Doctor for Persistent or Severe Headaches
- Consult a healthcare professional if your headache is sudden, unusually severe, does not respond to usual measures, or is accompanied by confusion, blurry vision, loss of consciousness, or other worrisome symptoms.
- If your headaches persist weeks after COVID-19 (“long COVID”), your doctor can guide further evaluation and consider referral to a specialist.
What About Headaches in Long COVID?
Many people report ongoing or recurrent headaches weeks or months after their initial infection. This is one of several symptoms described in “long COVID” or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). Although no single treatment exists for long COVID headaches, the same lifestyle tactics and over-the-counter medications listed above are typically recommended.
- If headaches are significantly impacting quality of life, ask your doctor about preventive medications or options for referrals (such as to a neurologist or headache specialist).
- Joining support groups or clinical trials may provide access to new and emerging treatment strategies.
When Should You Seek Emergency Care?
While most COVID-19-related headaches are not dangerous and will resolve on their own, a small proportion can signal more serious problems. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Sudden, very severe headache (“worst headache of your life”)
- Persistent vomiting, fever, or neck stiffness
- Confusion, fainting, or paralysis/weakness in any part of the body
- Visual changes, seizures, or difficulty speaking
These can be signs of conditions such as meningitis, stroke, or other emergencies that require urgent attention.
Summary Table: At-a-Glance Guide to COVID-19 Headache Relief
| Remedy or Action | How It Helps | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen | Reduces headache and fever pain | Follow dosage instructions; consult doctor if on other meds |
| Hydration | Prevents worsening due to dehydration | Use water, broths, or electrolyte-rich drinks |
| Nutrition | Stabilizes blood sugar and supports immune health | Opt for easily digestible, nutritious foods if appetite is poor |
| Rest/Sleep | Speeds recovery and reduces fatigue | Return to regular sleep schedule as able |
| Cold Compress or Warm Shower | Reduces pain and relieves sinus pressure | Do not apply ice directly to skin |
| Gentle Stretching or Walking | Improves circulation, reduces tension | Avoid overexertion, especially during active infection |
| Stress Reduction | Minimizes frequency/intensity of headaches | Try breathing exercises, meditation, or light yoga |
| Vaccination | Reduces risk of infection and long COVID | Stay current with recommended boosters |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does a COVID-19 headache feel like?
A COVID-19 headache can vary: it may feel like a tension headache (steady, pressure-like pain) or a migraine (throbbing, one-sided, with sensitivity to light/sound). For some, these headaches are more severe or persistent than previous headaches they have had.
Are COVID-19 headaches different from other headaches?
While COVID-19 headaches may mimic tension or migraine types, many people report they are more intense, resist typical treatments, or last longer. If experienced alongside other COVID-19 symptoms, this pattern can help distinguish them from other types of headaches.
How long do COVID-19 headaches typically last?
They often improve within seven to ten days, but in some people may last longer—sometimes for weeks or even months (as part of long COVID). Persistent or worsening headaches warrant a medical evaluation.
Should I avoid ibuprofen or acetaminophen for COVID-19 headaches?
No. Both are considered safe options for most people, unless otherwise advised by your healthcare provider. Always follow recommended dosing instructions and check for any potential drug interactions with other medications you may be taking.
When should I call my doctor about a headache during or after COVID-19?
Contact your doctor if you have severe pain, headaches that don’t improve with standard treatments, headaches with neurological symptoms, or have ongoing headaches after recovery from acute infection.
Expert Tips for Preventing and Managing Headaches
- Keep a headache diary to track frequency, triggers, and what works for relief.
- Avoid skipping meals or allowing yourself to get dehydrated, even during periods of illness.
- Stay away from strong odors or environments that you know aggravate your headaches.
- Reset your sleep schedule as soon as you feel well enough.
- Return gradually to activity after illness, as overexerting can worsen symptoms.
Final Thoughts
COVID-19 headaches can be highly disruptive, but most respond well to a combination of pain relief medications, hydration, rest, and other healthy habits. Prioritizing your wellness during illness and recovery can help improve symptoms and reduce the risk of long-term problems. If headaches persist, worsen, or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for guidance and further evaluation.
References
- https://healthcareassociates.com/covid-19-headache-relief/
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/a42099775/covid-headache-relief/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/covid-headache-relief
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a61830829/covid-flirt-lb1-variant-symptoms/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7183387/
- https://www.synergyheadache.com/blog/what-is-causing-morning-headaches-good-housekeeping-interview-with-dr-alex-feoktistov
- https://www.novanthealth.org/healthy-headlines/covid-19-and-headaches-what-you-need-to-know
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