Characteristics of headaches caused by the Omicron variant.
Data from the UK lists headaches as one of the most common symptoms of the Omicron variant, along with runny nose and fatigue.
Meanwhile, Washington state (USA) announced that 65% of patientsOmicron contaminationExperiencing a headache.
Of course, headaches are very common and can be caused by many different things.
Why Omicron causes headaches
Headaches are not a new symptom of Covid-19. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that headaches have been one of the Covid-19 symptoms since the pandemic began.
However, this manifestation appears to be more common in individuals infected with Omicron compared to Delta and other variants.
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| Illustration: Southvalleyneurology |
Infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja explains: "Many respiratory viruses—including Covid-19—cause headaches."
William Schaffner, a professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, said: “The body has an inflammatory response when fighting a virus. Headaches, fatigue, fever, and other signs are part of the inflammatory symptom complex.”
The Omicron variant focuses more on the upper respiratory tract, including the sinuses. Thomas Russo, head of infectious diseases at the University of Buffalo, points out: “Headaches are common with sinusitis. In addition, patients often experience stress when infected with Covid-19.”
Additionally, Omicron typically has milder symptoms than other variants, especially in fully vaccinated individuals. This makes symptoms like headaches more noticeable.
Characteristics of headaches
"Headache" is a rather broad term that can range from mild discomfort to migraine. Dr. Schaffner says that headaches caused by Omicrons are more likely to occur in the front of the head, in the forehead, rather than the back of the head.
If you experience a headache, don't jump to conclusions. Dr. Adalja says, "It's impossible to infer that a single headache is related to Covid-19 because there are many causes for it."
But you need to see a doctor if you have a headache along with other symptoms of Covid-19 or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus (F0).
Dr. Schaffner said, "The best way to treat an Omicron headache is the same as in most other situations." You should take painkillers and drink plenty of water.
