When to worry about a headache with COVID-19

COVID-19 may cause headache with fever, tiredness, sore throat, cough, body aches, or changes in taste or smell. Headache alone cannot confirm COVID-19 or show how severe an illness will become. Pay attention to breathing, alertness, hydration, and whether the pain is improving as the other symptoms settle.

Rest, drink fluids in small regular amounts, and use a suitable pain reliever according to its label and your clinician's advice. Follow current local guidance about staying away from others and testing. Keep medicines and a list of health conditions available. Contact a clinician early if you are pregnant, immunocompromised, elderly, or have a condition that increases concern about infection.

Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, persistent chest pain or pressure, blue or grey lips, new confusion, inability to wake, collapse, or a sudden severe headache with neurological symptoms. Seek prompt advice for worsening fever, inability to keep fluids down, very little urine, or headache that is intensifying rather than easing. Arrange review when pain persists after the infection improves.

Ask which medicines are safe for you, how to monitor breathing and hydration, and when you should be reassessed. Mention symptom onset, test results if available, fever, oxygen readings if you have been told to measure them, and every medicine you take.