What does headache feel like with influenza?

An influenza-related headache may feel aching, heavy, or pressure-like and can occur with pain behind the eyes or sensitivity to light. The overall illness often begins relatively quickly, with feverishness, chills, muscle aches, exhaustion, cough, sore throat, or a blocked nose. Headache and fever can also occur with other infections, so the symptom pattern and examination help guide the assessment.

Rest, drink fluids regularly, and use light clothing and a comfortable room temperature. Follow label directions for any suitable fever or pain medicine, and check with a pharmacist if you take other medicines, have a long-term condition, or are pregnant. Stay home while feverish and reduce close contact with others. Avoid antibiotics unless a clinician prescribes them for a bacterial illness.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, chest pain, blue or grey lips, severe dehydration, confusion, unusual drowsiness, a seizure, or a headache with a stiff neck. Contact a clinician promptly if symptoms are worsening, fever persists, or you are in a group at higher risk of complications. Emergency symptoms should not wait for a home test or appointment.

Ask whether testing or antiviral treatment is appropriate, how to control the headache safely, and which symptoms should prompt reassessment. Mention when the illness began, your temperature pattern, breathing symptoms, fluid intake, medical conditions, pregnancy, and medicines you use.