Does influenza cause headache?

An influenza headache can develop as part of the body's inflammatory response. Fever, poor sleep, dehydration, congestion, and tense neck or scalp muscles may add to the discomfort. It may feel dull, heavy, or throbbing and may worsen when you are active, although experiences vary.

Headache by itself is not enough to identify influenza. Migraine, tension, sinus problems, other infections, medication effects, and dehydration can cause similar pain. New features or a markedly different pattern deserve careful attention.

Rest in a quiet, comfortable space and drink fluids regularly. Eat if you can, reduce bright light if it aggravates the pain, and avoid intense exercise while ill. A pharmacist can advise on an appropriate pain reliever and check it against your other medicines or health conditions.

Follow dosing instructions and avoid taking more than one product with the same pain-relieving ingredient. If congestion is present, ask about suitable measures rather than assuming every decongestant is appropriate.

Get urgent help for a sudden extremely severe headache, confusion, fainting, seizure, weakness on one side, trouble speaking, stiff neck with a fever, or breathing difficulty. Arrange medical advice if the pain is steadily worsening, repeatedly returns after improvement, follows a head injury, or prevents drinking and sleeping.

Ask whether the headache fits the rest of your illness, whether an examination or testing is needed, and which relief option is safest. Describe its onset, location, severity, triggers, associated fever or neck symptoms, and any history of migraine.