Are Headache, or migraine Flu Sign? Healthline

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Although headache is often identified symptoms of the flu but migraine isn’t. A viral infection , such as that of the flu may create or increase the severity of a headache or migraine disorder.

Primary headaches occur when the headache is a health issue. This can include tension, migraine as well as cluster headaches. Secondary headaches are signs of a different health issue like an injury or infection.

Nasal congestion, stress, and dehydration are all factors that can contribute to headaches when you’re sick with the flu.

We’ll explore:

  • the distinction between migraine and headaches
  • the reasons why migraine attacks can happen in the case of the flu
  • What treatment options are available

Being afflicted with a viral illness such as influenza or COVID-19 places an enormous amount of strain for your body. The following causes can contribute to a headache secondary to the flu season or act as an cause for a headache that is primary which could include migraine.

Sinus cavities that are blocked

The common cold and flu are both common causes for sinus congestion and sinus infections (sinusitis).

If you’re suffering from congestion due to allergy or illness Pressure builds up in your sinuses. They are the hollow cavities that surround your eyes and nose. If the membranes in your sinuses become enlarged because of inflammation or infection and this causes irritation in your face or the head.

It’s common to experience headaches due to some sinus congestion but not an infection.

“Sinus headache” is an

Common misdiagnosis

of migraine. The majority of the time sinus headaches do not occur caused by a sinus infection however, they are tension or migraine headaches. This is due to the fact that migraine episodes may trigger tension headaches.

nasal symptoms

Also, it can cause a congested nose, runny nose and pressure on the face.

Dehydration

The body requires water for its functioning It’s especially the case during illness. While your immune system is working to fight off an infection and eliminate the infection, you’re losing more fluid than you normally do. If you don’t replenish this water, you’ll end up becoming dehydrated.

Diarrhea and fever are common symptoms of flu — are two of them.

frequent contributors

to dehydration.

There’s not a lot of research regarding the link between headache and dehydration, however, it’s a well-known phenomenon. A

2021 study

It was noted that headaches caused by dehydration often disappear shortly after having consumed fluids. The authors noted that dehydration can to worsen or trigger chronic headaches.

Drinking water that is plain and regular will reduce the risk of headaches due to dehydration that are flu-related or otherwise. The guidelines for the amount of water to consume each day are based on a variety of individual variables.

Find out how important it is to drinking water.

The increase of the cytokines

Cytokines are a group of molecules that are released by our immune system to assist to treat infections and injuries. Cytokines trigger your body’s inflammatory response which tells it to fight the flu or fix the muscle tear.

The release by the body from too many cytokines can be often referred to as a cytokine flood or may indicate cytokine released syndrome (CRS). A high concentration of cytokines within your body can result in excessive inflammation and pain.

The research into the relationship between cytokines and migraine continues. However, experts believe that a majority of migraines result from an abnormal inflammation response that is triggered by the immune system of your body. They are “mediators for the inflammation pathway” the cytokines are likely to are involved in migraine-related episodes.

Stress

When you’re sick your body is subject to many physical strains because your immune system is trying to eliminate an disease. Sickness can cause emotional stress too, like worrying about not being able to catch up at school, or if you’ve lost friends.

The

The most popular

The most common type of headache is the kind of headache that is a tension type (TTH) also known as “stress migraine.” Stress can be a major factor in TTH and TTH, which

typically, the issue is solved

after the stressor has been removed.

The stress response is often referred to as the

Most common

The trigger of migraine attacks. It’s also regarded as an underlying cause of migraine attacks.

significant factor

In the frequency of migraines and in the frequency of tension headaches and migraines.



Influenza (flu) is an infection caused by viruses that typically results in epidemics of infection each season. (flu period) throughout the United States. The

contagious virus (influenza)

It is spread when someone who is infected talks or sneezes. This releases viral droplets that are released into the air.

As well as headaches,

Common symptoms

The symptoms of the flu are:

The majority of people who contract the flu

Recover in two weeks

or less. But, complications such as pneumonia or sinus and ear infections could be present.


Doctors frequently suggest that patients who suffer from migraines keep a diary or a log of their activities in order to determine the triggers. Note down the foods you’ve eaten and what conditions were like prior to experiencing the pain, can help identify triggers to prevent them from happening again.

Alongside stress, dehydration, or illnesses, there are other causes.

the top triggers for migraine attacks

include:

Find out more about the most the most common migraine triggers.



Both headaches and migraines can cause headaches that can disrupt your life However, how can you differentiate between them?

Migraine is thought to be a neurological disorder. The presence of a severe primary headache is not the only symptom of it.

Migraine attacks are usually one-sided and can cause severe painful throbbing. This can cause enough pain to limit your ability to function . It is often regarded to be more severe than headaches that are cluster or tension-related.

The migraine attacks can occur often, usually following certain triggers such as anxiety or eating a specific food. One of the most distinctive features of migraine is that migraine attacks are triggered by stress or food.

Other signs and signs and symptoms

Usually, head pain is accompanied by headaches.

This includes:

Migraine attacks may also cause symptoms in the nasal area, such as congested nasal discharge, and clear congestion.

Find out more about the episodic and chronic migraine attacks.


If you’re suffering from a secondary headache that’s a sign of flu, treatment the virus should ease or be able to resolve it. When your headache may be the source of a migraine attack and it doesn’t go away, regardless of whether your flu symptoms improve.

In this situation it is important to identify and treat the migraine attack in addition to managing the flu.

Treatment for flu


Treatment for influenza

The majority of the time, it involves:

If the flu results in complications such as a sinus infection or pneumonia, additional treatment (including antibiotics, oxygen supplemental) might be needed.

Treatment for migraine

The treatment for migraine is based on identifying the triggers that cause migraine and staying clear of them whenever you can.

Anti-CGRP injections and tablets are the most up-to-date and effective treatment for migraines that are severe. They are also known as CGRP inhibitors or antagonists. These drugs

Work to decrease the amount of protein

that can cause inflammation in the brain, that causes inflammation in your brain, calcitonin gene-related protein (CGRP).

Certain anti-CGRPs target this protein, whereas others are geared towards it’s receptor (blocking the pain signal).

The 6 anti-CGRPs currently exist

FDA-approval

are:

  • Aimovig (erenumab)
  • Vyepti (eptinezumab)
  • Emgality (galcanezumab)
  • Ajovy (fremanezumab)
  • Nurtec (rimegepant)
  • Ubrelvy (ubrogepant)

Other options for treating migraine pain

Included

:

Anti-CGRP tablets have been proven to be efficient in reducing the pain of migraines, with or without aura. They also are less prone to side effects than triptans or the ergot alkaloid medication.

Triptans and ergot alkaloid have been well-known to trigger headaches from overuse. People suffering from heart diseases or elevated blood pressure generally cannot take them due the potential side negative effects.

Neuromodulation devices can also be considered an

Safe and non-invasive

migraine treatment method for treating migraine. These may appeal for patients who haven’t had a positive response to migraine medication or had negative reactions.

The devices are placed or worn on various parts of the body. They emit electromagnetic currents that stimulate nerves. The intention is to block the nerve pathways that trigger pain.

The FDA has granted approval to certain neuromodulation devices for the treatment of migraine:

  • Cefaly (device that is placed on the forehead)
  • Nerivio (device wrapped around the upper arm)
  • Relivion MG (device put around the head)
  • GammaCore (device placed on neck)

Botox injections and hormone treatments are also utilized in the treatment of migraines.

Certain medicines have also proven effective in preventing migraine attacks. This includes:

  • beta-blockers
  • Antiepileptics
  • calcium channel blockers
  • antidepressants

Many people suffering from migraines are seeking natural remedies or holistic therapy methods, such as acupuncture and supplements. Many people also benefit from utilizing techniques for managing stress and speaking with the therapy.


Contact your doctor If:

  • You experience frequent headaches that can disrupt your everyday life
  • Your headaches are caused by sensory or vision changes, or even nausea
  • If you suffer from migraine, think that the flu triggers the migraine
  • The flu symptoms are gone, however, you suffer from migraine or headache instances

It is important to rule out any other infection or health issues when you are taking a look at a migraine or headache attack.

Secondary headaches are typical flu symptoms, however they shouldn’t be severe. Typically, headaches is a flu-related symptom that goes away when nasal congestion is reduced.

The majority of people who contract the influenza virus (influenza) must go to a physician’s office. Be sure to quarantine yourself to avoid transmitting the virus. Get enough rest and drink plenty of fluids. Visit your doctor to ask about any symptoms. They could prescribe medication for you to take at home, or may examine you.

Whatever the case, whether you’re suffering from migraine, flu or both, some symptoms could indicate an emergency medical situation. Call emergency services if you have:


  • Trouble breathing
  • loss of consciousness
  • seizure
  • chest pain
  • confusion



An illness such as the flu can cause an enormous amount of strain on your body. If you already suffer from an issue with migraine, getting the virus that causes the flu could create or worsen an existing migraine attack.

Secondary headaches may also be experienced as a typical flu symptoms, however they usually disappear through treatment and aren’t as severe as migraine-related episodes. Treatment of flu-related symptoms, such as nasal congestion and fever may decrease the likelihood of experiencing headaches.

If you suffer from both a migraine disorder and flu treatments for both are likely to be required to alleviate any headache you experience.

Consult your physician in the event of headaches that affect your performance regardless of whether you’re suffering from the flu.