Have a COVID headache? What you can expect, how to treat it, and when it might go away

From Fortune:

The World Health Organization recently warned that a headache, one of the most common symptoms of COVID, may be one of the last symptoms to disappear.

Headache has been among the most common COVID symptoms since the start of the pandemic and is becoming more frequent in those with long COVID symptoms.

A 2022 journal article shows that COVID headaches are most likely in younger people, individuals with a history of migraines, and those who have lost taste or smell or have muscle aches along with their other symptoms.

COVID headaches can vary in description and severity but usually occur on both sides of the head.

Experts believe that COVID may trigger the trigeminal nerve, the largest of 12 cranial nerves, and cause inflammation that leads to headaches.

Common over-the-counter painkillers are effective for treating COVID headaches.

COVID headaches can last for up to two weeks but may continue for longer in some cases. It may also indicate long COVID, resulting in continued headaches and other neurological symptoms.

Long COVID headaches usually improve with time but other long COVID symptoms include brain fog, dizziness, and abnormal movements among others.



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