How long does a flu headache typically last. What are the key differences between a flu headache and a migraine. When should you seek medical attention for flu symptoms. How can you effectively manage flu-related headaches at home.

Understanding Flu Headaches: Causes and Characteristics

Flu headaches are a common symptom of influenza, often accompanying other flu-related discomforts. But what exactly causes these headaches, and how can we distinguish them from other types of head pain?

Flu headaches typically result from the body’s inflammatory response to the influenza virus. As the immune system fights the infection, it releases chemicals that can cause inflammation throughout the body, including in the head and sinuses. This inflammation can lead to pain and pressure, manifesting as a headache.

Characteristics of flu headaches often include:

• Dull, aching pain that may be felt across the forehead or entire head
• Pressure or tightness in the head and sinuses
• Pain that may worsen with movement or coughing
• Sensitivity to light and sound (though typically less severe than with migraines)

How long do flu headaches typically last?

The duration of flu headaches can vary from person to person, but they generally persist throughout the course of the illness. In most cases, flu headaches last between 3 to 7 days, coinciding with other flu symptoms. However, some individuals may experience lingering headaches for up to 10 days or even longer in rare cases.

Distinguishing Flu Headaches from Migraines

While flu headaches and migraines can share some similarities, there are key differences that can help differentiate between the two. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for proper management and treatment.

What are the main differences between flu headaches and migraines?

• Onset: Flu headaches typically develop alongside other flu symptoms, while migraines often have distinct warning signs or triggers.
• Pain intensity: Flu headaches are usually moderate in intensity, whereas migraines tend to be more severe and debilitating.
• Associated symptoms: Migraines often come with nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. While these can occur with flu headaches, they’re generally less pronounced.
• Duration: Flu headaches typically last for the duration of the illness, while migraines can range from a few hours to several days.
• Response to movement: Migraine pain often worsens with physical activity, while flu headaches may not be as affected by movement.

Managing Flu Headaches: Home Remedies and OTC Treatments

Dealing with a flu headache can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can employ at home to alleviate the discomfort. Here are some effective remedies and over-the-counter treatments to consider:

What are the most effective home remedies for flu headaches?

1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and clear broths to prevent dehydration, which can worsen headaches.
2. Rest in a dark, quiet room: Reduce sensory stimulation to help alleviate headache pain.
3. Use a cool compress: Apply a damp, cool cloth to your forehead or neck to help reduce inflammation and pain.
4. Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, gentle stretching, or meditation can help relax tense muscles and reduce headache intensity.
5. Maintain proper humidity: Use a humidifier to keep the air moist, which can help relieve sinus pressure and congestion.

Which over-the-counter medications are most effective for flu headaches?

Several OTC medications can help manage flu headaches:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Helps reduce fever and relieve pain
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Provides pain relief and reduces inflammation
• Naproxen (Aleve): Offers longer-lasting pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects
• Combination cold and flu medications: These often contain pain relievers along with decongestants and antihistamines to address multiple symptoms

When using OTC medications, always follow the recommended dosage and be cautious of potential interactions with other medications you may be taking. If you’re unsure, consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Flu Symptoms

While most cases of the flu can be managed at home, there are certain situations where medical intervention may be necessary. Recognizing these warning signs is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring proper treatment.

What are the red flags that indicate you should see a doctor for flu symptoms?

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent chest pain or pressure
• Confusion or sudden dizziness
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• High fever (above 103°F or 39.4°C) that doesn’t respond to medication
• Symptoms lasting longer than 10 days
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. Additionally, individuals in high-risk groups (such as young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems) should consult their healthcare provider early in the course of illness.

The Relationship Between Flu and Migraine

For individuals who suffer from migraines, the flu can present additional challenges. Understanding the interplay between these two conditions is essential for effective management and prevention of complications.

Can the flu trigger migraine attacks?

While the flu itself doesn’t typically trigger migraine attacks in individuals without a history of migraines, it can potentially exacerbate symptoms in those who are prone to migraines. The stress on the body caused by the flu virus, along with factors such as dehydration, changes in sleep patterns, and overall discomfort, can increase the likelihood of a migraine attack in susceptible individuals.

For migraine sufferers, it’s crucial to maintain good self-care practices during a bout of flu, including:

• Staying well-hydrated
• Getting adequate rest
• Managing stress levels
• Adhering to regular medication schedules (if applicable)
• Avoiding known migraine triggers

Do flu vaccines increase the risk of migraine attacks?

There is no substantial evidence to suggest that flu vaccines directly cause or increase the risk of migraine attacks. While some individuals may experience mild headaches as a side effect of the flu vaccine, these are typically short-lived and less severe than a full-blown migraine attack.

The benefits of flu vaccination in preventing severe illness and potential complications generally outweigh the risk of temporary discomfort. However, if you have concerns about how the flu vaccine might affect your migraine condition, it’s best to discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Preventing Flu and Associated Headaches

While it’s not always possible to avoid catching the flu, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk and potentially prevent flu-related headaches.

What are the most effective strategies for preventing the flu?

1. Get vaccinated: Annual flu shots are the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications.
2. Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
3. Avoid close contact with sick individuals: Maintain distance from people who are ill, and stay home if you’re sick yourself.
4. Boost your immune system: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get adequate sleep, and manage stress to support your body’s natural defenses.
5. Keep your environment clean: Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially during flu season.
6. Don’t touch your face: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent the spread of germs.
7. Stay hydrated: Proper hydration supports overall health and can help prevent headaches.

By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting the flu and experiencing associated headaches.

Long-Term Effects and Complications of Flu Headaches

While most flu headaches resolve within a week or two, in some cases, they can persist or lead to other complications. Understanding these potential long-term effects is important for recognizing when additional medical intervention may be necessary.

Can flu headaches lead to chronic headache conditions?

In rare cases, severe or prolonged flu infections can trigger persistent headache conditions. This phenomenon, known as post-infectious headache, occurs when headaches continue even after other flu symptoms have resolved. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, it’s believed that the inflammatory response triggered by the flu virus can sometimes lead to longer-lasting changes in pain perception or neurological function.

Factors that may increase the risk of developing chronic headaches after the flu include:

• Pre-existing headache disorders
• Severe or prolonged flu infections
• Dehydration or nutritional deficiencies during illness
• Stress or anxiety related to the illness
• Disrupted sleep patterns

What should you do if headaches persist after other flu symptoms have resolved?

If you experience ongoing headaches for more than two weeks after other flu symptoms have improved, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider. They may recommend:

1. Further evaluation to rule out other underlying conditions
2. Adjustments to your current headache management strategy
3. Referral to a neurologist or headache specialist if needed
4. Consideration of preventive medications or therapies
5. Lifestyle modifications to support overall health and reduce headache frequency

Remember, persistent headaches should never be ignored, as they could be a sign of a more serious condition or complication.

Flu Headaches in Special Populations

Certain groups may experience flu headaches differently or may be at higher risk for complications. Understanding these variations is crucial for proper management and care.

How do flu headaches affect children and older adults?

Children:

• May have difficulty describing headache symptoms
• Often experience more severe flu symptoms, including higher fevers
• May be more prone to dehydration, which can exacerbate headaches
• Require careful monitoring and age-appropriate pain management

Older adults:

• May have atypical flu presentations, sometimes without fever
• Are at higher risk for flu complications, including severe headaches
• May have pre-existing conditions that interact with flu symptoms
• Often require more cautious medication management due to potential drug interactions

What special considerations exist for pregnant women with flu headaches?

Pregnant women are at increased risk for severe flu complications and require special attention when managing flu symptoms, including headaches. Considerations include:

• Limited medication options due to potential risks to the fetus
• Increased importance of non-pharmacological pain management techniques
• Higher risk of dehydration, which can worsen headaches
• Need for close monitoring by healthcare providers
• Importance of early antiviral treatment if flu is suspected

Pregnant women should always consult with their healthcare provider before taking any medications for flu symptoms, including headaches.

Got a Flu Headache? A Migraine Expert Answers Common Questions About Flu — Migraine Again

Getting sick is no one’s idea of a good time, and, for people with migraine, any illness can put you at an increased chance of triggering a migraine attack. So what is it about getting something like the flu that can trigger a headache?

The influenza virus, commonly called the flu, can cause a host of symptoms, including fever, nasal congestion, body pain, and headache. In today’s world, these symptoms are concerning, as COVID-19 is another virus that can also cause headache and nasal symptoms. How do we handle headaches related to the flu virus and how can we distinguish flu headaches from migraine? Read on to find out more.

Flu Facts

What Are Common Symptoms of the Flu?

Common flu symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and/or fatigue. You can also have just a cough or trouble breathing without a fever and have the flu. This can be seen in older individuals or those whose immune system is not working as well. 

Is Every Virus the Flu

Virus?

No, only those caused by the influenza virus

How Is the Flu Diagnosed?

The only way to diagnose the flu is through a test that looks for the virus. These tests are done in a health clinic where the back of your throat or nose is swabbed. It can take anywhere from 10 minutes to two to three hours to get test results and these vary in how accurate they are. It is possible if your test is negative that you still have the flu.

I Got My Flu Shot, So How Can I Have the Flu?

The flu shot is specially formulated every year to protect you from the four strains of flu that research suggests will be the most active that year. It is always possible that you can get infected with a different strain. With a flu shot, studies show that those who are immunized do not get as sick as some might without the immunization. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone above 6 months of age get a flu shot.

More from Migraine Again

Flu Headache

What Does It Mean if I Experience a Lingering Headache After the Flu?

A headache that comes with the flu often can last a few days or, in some cases, the length of the flu itself, which can be seven to 10 days. If you notice a lingering headache when all other flu symptoms have improved, it is important to contact your healthcare provider to make sure your flu has not triggered another infection.

How Is a Flu Headache Different From a Migraine Attack?

A migraine comes with symptoms of upset stomach, light and sound sensitivity, and sometimes vomiting. All of this can occur during the flu, so it can be hard to tell if your headache is causing these symptoms or if it is actually a migraine that is occurring during the flu. A migraine will feel worse when you move around and better when lying still, whereas a headache with the flu may not change depending on your position or activity and may not change if you are in bright lights.  

What to Do If You Have the Flu

Are There Any OTC or Home Remedies for a Flu Headache?

Over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be helpful for a headache associated with the flu. Just be careful if you are already taking an OTC flu treatment. Check to see if the active ingredients are acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and make sure you don’t exceed the recommended dosage of either.

Fluids can be helpful, as well. When the body becomes dehydrated, a headache can follow, so drink plenty of water when you have the flu!

When Should I Contact My Doctor About My Flu Symptoms?

If you are having trouble keeping down food or liquids, if you are having difficulty breathing, or if your symptoms are continuing beyond five to seven days, these are all reasons to seek medical attention. If all of your flu symptoms improve but you have a lingering headache or lingering cough, this is another reason to get checked by your healthcare provider.

Flu and Migraine

Are Migraine Attacks a Symptom of the Flu?

Typically, the flu does not trigger migraine attacks in people without a history of migraine. In some people who have migraine, any illness can trigger migraine attacks.   

Can Flu Vaccines Cause Migraine Attacks?

The flu vaccine is not known to trigger migraine attacks. In some, it can cause a headache.

Can a Migraine Attack Feel Like the Flu?

Migraine symptoms include moderate to severe headache pain with associated nausea and/or vomiting, plus light and sound sensitivity. In some people, symptoms can also include fatigue, confusion, changes in body temperature, dizziness, appetite changes, and mood changes — to name just a few of the various symptoms associated with migraine, according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders. 

Migraine attacks may feel like the flu to some people, but the symptoms are often short-lived (lasting several hours or, in some cases, days) compared with the flu.

Cold and COVID Headaches

Is Headache a Symptom of COVID?

Headache can be one of the symptoms of COVID-19 but is often accompanied by many other symptoms.  People with migraine may also notice a change in their headache if they are infected.

Can a Head Cold Cause a Headache?

Any illness, including a head cold, can trigger a headache. 

Final Thoughts on Flu Headaches

When you are experiencing the flu, it is important to drink plenty of fluids and get rest. If you have an associated headache, over-the-counter medications can help, but be careful to check if they interact with other treatments you may be on or underlying conditions you have. 

If you are not improving after five to seven days, or you are having trouble keeping food or fluids down, or feel too weak to care for yourself, it is important to contact your healthcare provider. If you are having worsening migraine due to an underlying infection, check in with your healthcare provider to see what treatments would be safe to take when you have the seasonal flu. 

What Your Flu Headache is Telling You

COVID, Headache, Headache News, Headache Tools, Headache Triggers, In the Media, Migraine, News to Know, Seeing a Doctor, Triggers

The flu season is at its peak, and more and more people are becoming susceptible to the contagious virus. With this year’s intense new strain, preventing the flu is crucial, especially for those who experience chronic migraine. However, for those who contract the virus, here are some things to keep in mind to understand your headache when dealing with the flu.

Headaches as a Symptom of the Flu

The flu has a myriad of symptoms, including vomiting, nausea, and headaches. While some may not experience headaches, those who do may become sensitive to light, sound and smell. If a headache is the only symptom or persists after other symptoms dissipate, it is likely not due to the flu or cold but a more specific type of headache, such as migraine or tension headaches.  

Headaches that Intensify with the Flu

For some people living with chronic migraine, the flu may intensify an already occurring migraine. The mucous membranes lining the nasal and sinus cavities can become inflamed when infected with the flu virus. This results in increased pressure around the eyes and face, which may lead to a magnified headache. On rare occasions, it might signal an even more serious problem, such as an infection of the brain.

Headaches that Stay After the Flu

Typically, people fully recover from the flu after a week or two with rest and medication. However, lasting symptoms, such as a headache, can indicate serious complications that may require emergency care. If a headache with fever persists, this could be due to a sinus infection. The pain from sinus infections are usually localized in one or more of the sinus areas around the eyes and forehead.

COVID

COVID is another viral infection that can cause headache and is often misdiagnosed as flu.  One can get headache with a COVID infection, but even more concerning is that COVID can lead to “new daily persistent headache” which is even more difficult to manage and does not resolve when the infection appears to have resolved.  This is another reason why COVID vaccinations are so important and acute treatment with Paxlovid, in a person where this is appropriate, is important.

Every migraine is different, translating to different causes which can ultimately lead to a serious medical issue. Tracking and taking note of any headache is crucial in determining a clearer cause. Anyone living with migraine, whether as an onset of a virus or by itself, is encouraged to consult with a health care practitioner to discuss their options.

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why does a headache appear with SARS and what to do about it

With a cold, headache is one of the most common symptoms. Most often it occurs due to intoxication of the body, but it can have more serious causes. We tell you why a headache appears with colds and flu, what pains in different areas of the head mean, and how to deal with them.

Why does my head hurt when I have a cold

Intoxication. This is a characteristic manifestation of ARVI, and headache is its main symptom. It is accompanied by other symptoms – fever, weakness, muscle and joint pain, and in severe infections – nausea and vomiting.

Intoxication occurs for the following reasons:

● To fight the virus, the immune system secretes substances that activate the natural protective reaction of tissues – inflammation. The inflammatory process is accompanied by increased release of oxygen free radicals. When they accumulate too much, oxidative stress occurs, which leads to intoxication.

● To invade host cells and multiply, the virus produces enzymes. They lead to circulatory disorders – increase the permeability of the vascular wall, provoke the appearance of microthrombi.

● Decay products of affected cells are released into the blood, irritating nerve fibers.
Changes in the vessels of the head cause headache.

With mild colds, toxins are released in small quantities and practically do not affect the body, so the head does not hurt. In this case, signs of local inflammation develop – a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing appear.

Headache and other manifestations of intoxication are the main symptoms of the flu. They occur in more than half of patients ¹ and appear before signs of local inflammation. This is due to the high aggressiveness of the influenza virus: during the day, a single viral particle (virion), which has successfully penetrated into the cells of the respiratory mucosa, is able to reproduce more than a thousand of its own kind. ²

As a rule, intoxication persists for up to three days (in severe ARVI longer), and then the symptoms subside. If the headache bothers you for a long time or appears (for the first time or repeatedly) after a period of improvement, you can suspect the development of complications.

Complications of SARS. Complications of viral respiratory infections often occur due to increasing intoxication or the addition of a secondary infection, mainly bacterial. Due to the activation of the conditionally pathogenic flora that inhabits the mucous membranes of a person, non-viral inflammation develops. This is due to the weakening of the immune system when the SARS pathogen enters the bloodstream.

Among the main complications of colds and flu, which are accompanied by a headache:

● Sinusitis is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. Most often associated with a secondary infection, but may occur as a result of the spread of a viral infection.

● Otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear (the cavity behind the eardrum). It develops for the same reasons as sinusitis.

● Cerebral meningeal syndrome (meningismus) – irritation of the membranes of the brain without the development of an inflammatory process, a consequence of intoxication.

● Meningoencephalitis – inflammation of the medulla and membranes of the brain. It can develop as an allergic reaction (to toxins, immune complexes) or occur due to a bacterial infection.

● Edema and swelling of the brain (ONGM). This is a life-threatening condition, the accumulation of fluid in the brain tissue. Occurs as a result of vascular lesions caused by intoxication.

● Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is another emergency that develops as a result of a viral or bacterial infection in the lungs. Headache occurs due to damage to the central nervous system against the background of an increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood.

Localization and causes of headache

Sometimes the cause of a headache can be determined by localization:

● Pain in the temples is characteristic of intoxication with influenza and colds, otitis media. In the case of SARS, pain is usually mild to moderate in intensity. Otitis is accompanied by severe and “shooting” pain in the ear, which radiates to the temples and lower jaw.

● Pain in the forehead is a frequent companion of influenza and other SARS. It also occurs with inflammation of the frontal sinus of the nose (frontitis). In both cases, pain sensations are localized mainly in the region of the superciliary arches, aggravated by the movement of the eyeballs.

● Pain in the back of the head may be a sign of meningism and other cerebral lesions, inflammation of the sphenoid sinus (sphenoiditis). With irritation, inflammation, swelling of the brain tissue, pain in the occipital region is intense, often unbearable. With sphenoiditis, the pain sensations are weak or moderate, first they come “from the center of the head” (according to the complaints of patients), then they move to the back of the head, give to the temples and eye sockets. With otitis media, pain occurs behind the ear. If the inflammation has spread to the mastoid process of the temporal bone, the pain flows into the parietal region (mastoiditis).

When relief comes

^{1, 2}

Headache with SARS gradually subsides when a person is on the mend. It often goes away at the same time as the fever. How soon this happens depends on the severity of the illness.

How long can a flu headache last:

● mild form – up to 3 days;

● moderate form – 3-5 days;

● severe form – 5-7 days or more.

In the event of complications, the headache does not go away within the specified time frame or resumes after a short period of relief.

With colds that are accompanied by severe rhinitis or laryngitis, the head hurts due to a runny nose and coughing attacks. In this case, relief will come when the congestion passes and the intensity of the cough weakens.

Antiviral and symptomatic medications will help to quickly relieve headaches and other unpleasant symptoms of SARS. Their reception will also help to avoid complications.

How to get rid of a headache when you have a cold

Medical treatment. Symptoms of intoxication in SARS, including headache, can be relieved by various drugs. Some act directly on the virus, reducing its activity, others extinguish the symptoms of intoxication, and others anesthetize. Treatment depends on the condition of the patient, so it is better to consult a doctor.

If the headache is accompanied by a high fever, you can drink antipyretics, such as paracetamol, to relieve symptoms. For severe headaches, your doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Oxidative stress headaches can be relieved with antioxidants. These are preparations based on bioflavonoids, coenzyme Q, vitamins (A, C, E). ³

Interestingly, during the development of the enisamium iodide molecule, antioxidant properties were discovered. ⁴
As an active substance, it is contained in a dosage of 500 mg in the preparation Nobasit ^®
Forte. ⁵ Enisamia iodide combines direct antiviral, analgesic and anti-inflammatory action comparable to NSAIDs. ⁶
Research on the basis of the Research Institute of Influenza. A.A. Smorodintseva showed that enisamia iodide reduces the severity of fever, headache, muscle pain – symptoms of SARS and influenza, which characterize intoxication of the body, by 3 times. ⁷

If you want to alleviate the symptoms of a child, remember that children with influenza are contraindicated in drugs based on acetylsalicylic acid. They can cause a serious complication – Reye’s syndrome. ⁸ This is a lesion of the brain, liver, and other internal organs.

Non-drug treatment. Standard guidelines for headache relief:

● physical rest – bed or semi-bed rest;

● limitation of mental and emotional stress: do not take work home, try to watch less TV, read less;

● Drink plenty of fluids – up to 2-3 liters of liquid per day: weak tea with milk, fruit drinks and compotes, freshly squeezed juices, mineral water;

● Regular airing of the room.

Folk remedies. In some cases, essential oils help relieve headaches – camphor, peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, and other plants. They are applied with light massage movements on the temporal areas, forehead, back of the neck. These drugs have an anti-inflammatory and vasodilating effect, distract from headaches, causing mild skin irritation. Ready-made topical preparations based on essential oils can be bought at a pharmacy: this is Doctor Mom ointment, Asterisk balm.

Headaches after colds and flu

The cause of headaches after SARS is often post-influenza asthenic syndrome. Other symptoms are apathy, irritability, weakness and drowsiness, which does not go away even after a good rest. More often, this condition occurs against the background of excessive physical and mental activity, psycho-emotional stress, disorders of the nervous and endocrine systems.

Also, the reason for the persistence or resumption of headaches after recovery may be complications caused by a secondary infection. Protective factors (ciliated airway epithelium, immune system function) are not restored immediately after the disappearance of symptoms. During this period, increased susceptibility to opportunistic pathogens persists.

When to see a doctor

If a cold is accompanied by a headache, it is always advisable to consult a doctor, especially for people with immunosuppression, chronic respiratory diseases. This will help to quickly stop intoxication, to avoid negative consequences.

Be sure to consult your doctor if your headache:

● continues for a long time or resumed after temporary improvement;

● accompanied by signs of complications from the ENT organs – a repeated increase in body temperature, discharge from the ear canal, purulent discharge from the nose;

● torments after recovery: in this case, a medical examination will help to identify not only late complications, but also hidden pathologies that contribute to the development of post-influenza asthenic syndrome.

Urgent or emergency medical attention required:

● With any lesions of the central nervous system. In such cases, the headache is accompanied by repeated vomiting that does not bring relief, convulsions, clouding of consciousness, and other neurological symptoms.

● In acute respiratory failure: if, in addition to headache, there is severe weakness, shortness of breath, cyanosis of the skin.

Briefly about the main

➢ Headache in ARVI can be a symptom of intoxication or a sign of complications.

➢ The pain in the head during intoxication occurs immediately and passes quickly enough. In the case of complications, it lasts a long time or occurs after a period of relief and is accompanied by other characteristic symptoms.

➢ For the treatment of headaches, antipyretic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antioxidants, anti-influenza drugs are used. Plentiful drinking, rest and regular ventilation of the room where the patient is located will help to alleviate the condition.

➢ For colds with severe headache, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Professional help is required if you suspect the development of complications.

¹ Romantsov M.G. Flu. Rational approach to therapy // Chief Doctor of the South of Russia – No. 3 (11), 2007

² Pathological anatomy of the lungs in influenza A (h2N1), according to autopsy / Chuchalin A.G. [and other authors] // Pulmonology – №1 2010

³ Nagornaya N.V., Chetverik N.A. Oxidative stress: impact on the human body, assessment methods. // Child Health – No. 2 (23), 2010

⁴ Pshenichnaya N.Yu., Bulgakova V.A., Volchkova E.V., Kareva E.N., Selkova E.P., Gorodin V.N. of viral infections in Russia // Therapeutic archive No. 11 – 2019.

⁵ Instructions for medical use (Nobasit® Forte, film-coated tablets 500 mg; RU: LP-006416 dated 20.08.2020).

⁶ Zyryanov S. K., Butranova O.I., Gaidai D.S., Kryshen K.L., Pharmacotherapy of acute respiratory infections caused by influenza viruses // Therapeutic archive No. 1 – 2021

⁷ Lioznov D.A., Karnaukhova E.Yu., Zubkova T.G., Shakhlanskaya E.V. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the ARVI treatment regimen, including etiotropic (enisamia iodide) and symptomatic therapy // Therapeutic archive No. 3 – 2020 G.

⁸ Zakharova V.V. Reye’s syndrome // Proceedings of the All-Russian Scientific Forum of Students – with international participation “Student Science – 2020”.

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Causes of severe headache with flu and SARS without fever, how to treat and what you can take

12/07/2021

3-5 minutes

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Contents

• Why does my head hurt when I have a cold
• Features of headache in colds and flu
• How to treat a headache with a cold and flu

With the onset of autumn, acute respiratory diseases and influenza become relevant for all people. This group of diseases is the most common. On average, almost every person suffers several episodes of SARS per year. ¹

The causative agents of acute respiratory infections are more than 200 types of viruses, of which the largest group is rhinoviruses. At the same time, against the background of SARS, bacterial complications often develop, as well as various allergic diseases (bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis) become aggravated. ARVI is most dangerous for children and the elderly, as well as for people who already have chronic diseases of the respiratory system. ²

Why does my head hurt when I have a cold

Manifestations of influenza and SARS are divided into two groups – catarrhal and intoxication syndrome. The first includes symptoms such as dryness and sore throat, nasal congestion, coughing, hoarseness, etc. However, these manifestations usually fade into the background.

The greatest discomfort for patients is the intoxication syndrome. It includes:

• chills

• increase in body temperature

• headache

• pain on eye movement

• weakness

• lacrimation

• sensitivity to light

Headache is one of the first symptoms of ARVI and the main manifestation of intoxication syndrome. It occurs suddenly and is localized in the temples and forehead. In severe cases, the headache is so severe that it may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

The severity of the intoxication syndrome depends on body temperature. The higher it is, the more pronounced the characteristic symptoms. ³ Thus, a headache with influenza and ARVI is a consequence of intoxication of the body.

Features of headache in colds and flu

Each group of diseases has its own clinical picture. With a cold, catarrhal syndrome comes to the fore. Therefore, patients are the first to be disturbed by a runny nose, sneezing, coughing and other symptoms. In this case, the body temperature may be normal or rise slightly. Along with these manifestations, signs of intoxication syndrome are also noted. Therefore, with a cold, headaches can occur without fever.

With influenza, on the contrary, symptoms of intoxication develop first. The patient’s body temperature quickly rises, up to 40 ° C and, unlike a cold, there is a severe headache. ¹

Sinusitis and otitis media

It is important to distinguish between headache and sinus and ear pain. They can be a sign of complications such as sinusitis and otitis media, which develop in 2-8% of patients with influenza and SARS. ²

How to treat a headache with colds and flu

As already noted, a headache with ARVI in adults occurs one of the first and causes severe discomfort, so I want to get rid of this symptom as soon as possible. For this, symptomatic therapy is used, which is aimed at eliminating all manifestations of the disease. At the same time, preference is given to combined drugs that are able to simultaneously and comprehensively act on the main symptoms. ²

To eliminate severe headache in acute respiratory viral infections, as well as symptoms such as high fever and muscle pain, analgesic non-narcotic drugs, which include paracetamol, are widely used. It does not damage the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract, which makes the drug particularly suitable for patients with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (for example, patients with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding).

Another area of ​​symptomatic therapy is the fight against runny nose and nasal congestion. For this purpose, drugs from the group of decongestants are used. They can be local (drops, sprays) and systemic (tablets, powders). Of the systemic decongestants, phenylephrine is the most widely used. ¹

In order to reduce the manifestations of intoxication syndrome, it is recommended to stay in bed, eat right, drink enough liquid (at least 2 liters per day) and take antioxidants, which include vitamin C, flavonoids and other compounds. ⁴

It is important to remember that antibiotics are not used in the treatment of influenza and SARS. The appointment of these drugs is possible only with the development of bacterial complications and only after their appointment by a doctor.

Complex preparations that can be used for the symptomatic treatment of influenza and colds include Coldrex. It consists of three main components:

• Paracetamol. Helps to eliminate headaches with colds, as well as other symptoms of intoxication (pain in muscles and joints, chills). Has an antipyretic effect.
• Phenylephrine. Belongs to the group of systemic decongeners. Eliminates nasal congestion, improves nasal breathing.
• Vitamin C. It is an antioxidant, replenishes the increased need for vitamin C in colds and flu, especially in the initial stages of the disease.

Coldrex is available in several forms that differ in the ratio of active ingredients. Therefore, everyone can choose the appropriate drug, depending on the characteristics of the clinical picture. Coldrex can be taken by adults and children.

Before using the drug, you must read the instructions.

• At the same time, Coldrex Junior is suitable for children from 6 years old.

• Kodreks HotRem (with lemon, lemon-honey flavor, menthol flavor and honey lemon flavor) – for children from 12 years old

• Codrex Maxgripp can be taken from the age of 18

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References

1. Zaitsev A. A. Influenza and acute respiratory viral infections: rational symptomatic therapy // Medical business. 2016. No. 3. URL:
   https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/gripp-i-ostrye-respiratornye-virusnye-infektsii-ratsionalnaya-simptomaticheskaya-terapiya
2. Yakimova S.S. An integrated approach to the treatment of influenza and colds. Medical advice. 2013;(5):14-19.
   https://www.med-sovet.pro/jour/article/view/1036
3. S. G. Nekhaev, T. L. Badakva Analysis of clinical symptoms, laboratory and instrumental data in different periods of illness in patients with influenza // Bulletin of new medical technologies. Electronic edition. 2019. No. 3. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/analiz-klinicheskoy-simptomatiki-laboratornyh-i-instrumentalnyh-dannyh-v-razlichnye-periody-zabolevaniya-bolnyh-grippom
4. Research Institute of Influenza of the Russian Ministry of Health Federal Center for Influenza and ARI National Influenza Center WHO RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF FLU IN ADULTS St. Petersburg 2014 https://crbelnya.zdrav.admin-smolensk.ru/admin/elfinder-1.2 /files/pamitka/gripp/rekomendacii%20po%20lecheniu%20i%20prof%20grippa.pdf

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