Characteristics of headaches caused by Omicron variant
Data from the UK lists headaches as one of the most common symptoms of the Omicron variant, along with a runny nose and fatigue.
Meanwhile, Washington state (USA) announced that 65% of patientsOmicron infectiongo through 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 US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said headaches have been one of the Covid-19 symptoms since the pandemic began.
However, this manifestation appears to be more common in people infected with Omicron than with Delta and other variants.
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Photo illustration: Southvalleyneurology |
“Many respiratory viruses — including Covid-19 — cause headaches,” explains infectious disease specialist Amesh A. Adalja, MD.
“The body has an inflammatory response to fight the virus,” says William Schaffner, MD, professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. “Headaches, fatigue, fever, and other signs are part of the inflammatory symptom complex.”
The Omicron variant is more likely to target the upper respiratory tract, including the sinuses. “Headaches are common with sinus infections,” says Thomas Russo, chief of infectious diseases at the University at Buffalo. “People are also more stressed when they have Covid-19.”
Additionally, Omicron tends to have milder symptoms than other variants, especially in fully vaccinated people. That makes symptoms like headaches more noticeable.
Headache characteristics
“Headache” is a pretty broad term that can range from mild discomfort to a migraine. Omicron headaches are more likely to occur in the front, in the forehead, than in the back of the head, says Dr. Schaffner.
If you have a headache, don’t jump to conclusions. “It’s impossible to link a single headache to Covid-19 because there are many causes,” says Dr. Adalja.
But you need to see a doctor if you have a headache with other symptoms of Covid-19 or have been in contact with F0.
“The best way to treat Omicron headaches is the same as in most other situations,” says Dr. Schaffner. You should take pain relievers and drink plenty of fluids./.