Does COVID-19 cause headache?

A COVID-19 headache may feel like pressure, a steady ache, or pain that comes with the wider illness. Fever, congestion, poor sleep, and not drinking enough can add to head pain. Headache has many other possible explanations, including migraine, tension, viral infections, and medication effects, so this symptom alone cannot diagnose COVID-19.

Rest in a quiet, comfortable space and drink fluids regularly. Reduce bright light or screen use if these worsen the pain. Eat when able and follow package directions if you use a usual over-the-counter pain reliever; check with a pharmacist or clinician if you are pregnant, have a chronic condition, or take other medicines. Consider testing and limit close contact according to current local advice.

Call emergency services for a sudden, extremely severe headache, new weakness, trouble speaking, seizure, collapse, confusion, stiff neck with severe illness, or severe breathing difficulty. Arrange medical review if the headache is steadily worsening, keeps returning, affects your vision, or does not improve as the infection settles.

Ask which pain-relief options suit you, whether your symptoms fit COVID-19 or another cause, when to test, and which changes in the headache should trigger review.