COVID-19 Facts: Is Headache a Warning Sign of the Coronavirus?
COVID-19 or coronavirus disease 2019 is an infectious disease caused by a new coronavirus. People who are infected with this virus experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and usually recover without special treatment. However, older people and those with underlying medical conditions are more vulnerable and at risk of a serious disease.
The most common symptoms of this disease, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), are tiredness, dry cough, and fever. Although, some people have reported other symptoms like sore throat, nasal congestion, aches and pains, runny nose, and diarrhea.
Headache, however, is not that common among patients who tested positive. But according to a report by the WHO-China Joint Mission on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), 14% of infected people have said that they experienced it. This fact is becoming more apparent as more people are now documenting their COVID-19 battle through social media. According to most of the testimonials, the headaches they experienced can be pretty intense.
However, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, so why would it cause a headache? And why are other patients not affected?
According to Dr. William W. Li, author of Eat to Beat Disease, various viruses can cause the body to come up with responses to destroy the infection. One of these responses is when immune cells release cytokines, which are proteins that may cause inflammation, fatigue, fever, and even headache. If you experience these things, it may be a sign that your body is fighting an infection.
It’s still so difficult to concur why some patients get headaches while others don’t since these are non-specific symptoms. It can easily be pinpointed to infection and any other health conditions. Dr. Li says that headaches are not common symptoms of illnesses. These, however, may appear due to other underlying conditions.
What Causes a Headache?
While a headache is not considered a direct symptom of COVID-19, it can be caused by factors that are connected to the coronavirus. You can get headaches for a stuffy sinus or physical discomfort from coughing constantly. Dr. Li also adds frequent nose blowing as a possible trigger. Other things that could cause headaches are anxiety, not eating properly, lack of sleep, and not enough water intake.
If you tested positive of COVID-19 and is experiencing headaches as a symptom, Dr. Li suggests continuing your intake of pain relief medicines. That is if your doctor doesn’t tell you to stop. Li says that there were early reports that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen were not recommended for use by COVID-19 patients. However, this has not been proven by experience in hospitals.
A research that was recently published in the journal titled ecancermedicalscience analyzed 89 existing studies on other coronavirus strains like SARS and MERS. Based on the study published on March 30, there has been no evidence that proves that ibuprofen is harmful.
If you’re a COVID-19 patient or suspect to be one, ask your doctor which pain reliever to take for your headache. To supplement the medicine, make sure to eat nutritious food, drink plenty of fluids, and take enough rest.
More in Anti-Aging
-
`
The Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet
Embracing Plant Power: A Path to Wellness In recent times, the allure of a plant-based lifestyle has surged, drawing more individuals...
November 29, 2023 -
`
Jennifer Aniston’s Timeless Tips for Health and Youthfulness
Iconic Hollywood actress Jennifer Aniston has long been admired for her acting prowess and seemingly ageless beauty and vitality. Now in...
November 22, 2023 -
`
Unleash Your Entrepreneurial Drive: 5 Strategies for Self-Motivation
5. Have an Undying Passion Passion is the driving force behind the world’s most successful entrepreneurs. Self-motivation becomes second nature when...
November 19, 2023 -
`
How to Go Vegan – The Right Way!
The vegan lifestyle has seen a significant surge in popularity lately, and rightly so. Embracing veganism not only fosters personal health...
November 12, 2023 -
`
7 Eye-Opening Reasons to Drink More Water
Water is frequently hailed as the quintessential elixir for life, and rightfully so. Constituting approximately 60% of our total body weight,...
November 1, 2023 -
`
Drake’s Workout Regimen: How the Canadian Rapper Stays Fit
The lights dim, the stage is set, and the crowd’s anticipation is palpable. When the beat drops, there is one Canadian...
October 24, 2023 -
`
Why Six-Figure Family Holidays Are Becoming the New Normal
In the panoramic landscape of the modern travel scene, a particularly glittering trend is emerging, akin to finding a diamond the...
October 21, 2023 -
`
Foods With High Water Content
Water is the elixir of life, and staying adequately hydrated is crucial for maintaining our health and well-being. While sipping on...
October 15, 2023 -
`
The Impact of Wearable Technologies in Health Research
In recent years, wearable technologies have emerged as a powerful tool in health research, revolutionizing how we collect and analyze data...
October 3, 2023
You must be logged in to post a comment Login