“One response is that immune cells release proteins called cytokines that cause inflammation, fever, and fatigue. Along with these reactions can come a headache.” Do You Have to Disinfect Groceries? Here's What You Need to Know About Shopping and Coronavirus
As a “non-specific symptom” of infection and other health conditions, it’s difficult to say why some people with COVID-19 get headaches, while others don’t. “It’s not a common symptom of the illness, and it may also be related to other underlying conditions a person suffers,” says Dr. Li. A headache can be caused by many factors related to the coronavirus, such as the physical discomfort of constant coughing and a stuffy sinus. “Even frequent nose blowing can cause a headache,” saysDr. Li. Anxiety, a lack of sleep, not eating properly, and failing to stay hydrated can also lead to headache.
If one of your COVID-19 symptoms is headache, Dr. Li recommends continuing with pain relief medications unless you’re told by your doctor to discontinue them. “While there were early reports that some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, were not recommended for COVID-19, these have not been borne out by experience in hospitals,” he adds.