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Original poster

“Headache virus going around”

69 replies

WolfFleeceSpotter · 30/07/2021 02:27

I’ve had a headache for a week. Negative Covid test, no other symptoms. I have had quite a few friends also say they have had cluster headaches and two said “there is a headache virus going around”. I took that to mean a virus with a headache as the only symptom but not Covid. All have been tested with negative results.
Anyone else had the same thing? How can you get it to go? Pain killers not helping. It is like a dull pain, always there.

OP posts:

Jmaho · 30/07/2021 23:07

@Abraxan

Whilst headaches can be a symptom of covid, it doesn't mean it is covid.

I think many people are forgetting that other viruses, and not just covid, still exist.

Dd has had cold like symptoms and a cough for a week. It's a mix of hayfever and a summer cold. She's had 4 LFTs and 2 PCRs, all negative, in this time. The chance of all 6 tests being inaccurate is unlikely.

Mixing in larger groups means that all viruses, not just covid, is circulating more.

This. Why is everything covid? We've pretty much all just got over a heavy summer cold. Again between us we've taken so many lateral flows and PCR 's between us there is no way they can all be wrong. 2 years ago we wouldn't have even questioned our very normal cold symptoms and we have to accept that all these viruses still very much exist!

polkadotpixie · 30/07/2021 23:12

I think there's a lot of horrible viruses around at the minute. I started with a sore throat last week which then developed into a mild fever, snotty nose and sneezing plus a nasty chesty cough. I thought COVID because I felt crappy (& it didn't really feel like a cold) but tested negative

I felt dreadful at the time but a week later although I feel better I still have an awful cough, it's a dry bark now but it's not getting any better. I've not been to the doctor because I don't think it's bacterial so doubt they can do anything anyway

Original poster

WolfFleeceSpotter · 31/07/2021 00:28

Thanks for the info on cluster headaches. I presume my friends mean cluster OF headaches, as in a few happening on and off. I have never heard of a cluster headache, sorry for any confusion, it sounds horrendous. I have had migraines in the past, this isn’t a migraine. Going to try some sinus tablets tomorrow.

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General health

JohnnyLuLus · 31/07/2021 00:44

I'm sure I've had covid in the last couple of weeks, but have only had negative PCR and LFT tests.
Awful headache, aching body, short of breath, blocked ear, complete loss of smell and taste, fatigue. Dr at the Covid hub sent me for another PCR test as she was convinced it's Covid.

I'm double vaxxed AZ. But I've been ill for two weeks now.

TheUnquestionedAnswer · 31/07/2021 00:56

I've had the headache as well, no shifting it with pain killers. I thought it was stress related. Out of interest, how are you getting PCR tests, when the headache is not listed as a symptom? Or has it changed?

RandomMess · 31/07/2021 07:11

I had a positive LFT and my headache included really painful sinuses so I ticked that I had symptoms to get a PCR test. Also live in an area where they are doing extra testing.

Bizarrely when you a positive test and it lists symptoms all of these ones are on there.

Day 3 - headache is worse this morning 😭

SpringRainbow · 31/07/2021 07:19

@TheUnquestionedAnswer

Just tick the symptoms box.

They rarely (if ever) check what symptoms.

BIWI · 31/07/2021 11:42

@Jmaho

Why is everything covid?

Because a headache is the number one symptom of covid these days, if you're double vaccinated. see here, from the ZOE study

This study is based on daily reports from more than 4.5 million people, and they're tracking vaccinations and symptoms, so it's very accurate.

Jmaho · 31/07/2021 11:53

I get that but am I expected to have a PCR test everytime I have a headache? And isolate while waiting for the results. I have a headache regularly. I'd be going for a test 2 or 3 times a week

BIWI · 31/07/2021 12:00

No, of course not. But that's what LFTs are for.

If you normally have regular headaches, then carry on as you would usually do - I presume. It's when it's unusual or not something you regularly suffer from that it's perhaps better to be cautious.

(And if you're getting headaches that regularly, I think you need to see your GP!)

Bobsyauncle · 31/07/2021 12:08

I started feeling a bit off about a week ago.
Total fatigue, bit achey
Headache
Thought it was the heat combined with late nights and I'd been out drinking too.
Did 2 consecutive days of LFTS which were neg.
3rd day I had a mild, but sudden onset of a cough. LFT was then pos
PCR pos day after

Symptoms not quite what I was expecting from covid. Pretty vague
Achey, tired x100, lost sense of smell. Occasional bit of coughing
Just lethargic really. Double jabbed

I've worked within a high risk covid environment and had nothing till now. Neither have my family.

justasking111 · 31/07/2021 12:22

A friend had a hysterectomy in her forties, HRT for a time she came off them. She had headaches every day, eye test fine, mri scan fine she can only put it down to a sudden hormone drop.

I used to get period headaches and have always suffered with weather head.

Also you can get a bit of arthritis in your neck which gives you headaches. If I sleep wrong the headache wakes me up. I use a hot shower on my neck. OH has a massager gadget his son bought him, that brings relief too. It might be worth trying that. Swimming helps me when it is allowed sigh......

So many reasons for headaches it is problematical.

BIWI · 31/07/2021 12:34

So many reasons for headaches it is problematical

Indeed.

But if it's a type of headache that you 'know' or have had before, then what's the problem?

The key thing is, that a headache is now one of the first early symptoms of Covid, according to the ZOE study (linked to above). Which is why, if you're getting an unusual or unexpected headache (especially with the other symptoms) then it is important to be cautious.

Steelesauce · 31/07/2021 12:39

I have a dull headache. I'm regularly tested and I'm negative. I think its the weather!

MythicalBiologicalFennel · 31/07/2021 12:43

@TheUnquestionedAnswer

In my case my kids had tested positive for Covid. Also we are in a high incidence area and recently there was a drive for everyone, symptoms or not, to get tested.

BIWI · 31/07/2021 14:23

I'm part of the ZOE study.

Because of the headache/sore throat yesterday I did a LFT test - which came up negative - but you still have to enter that on the app. So today I've been invited to take a PCR test.

Babyroobs · 31/07/2021 14:33

My ds had a bad headache for 3 days - negative pcr test. I also have a bad headache although that's not unusual for me. I also have a blocked nose wheras it says a runny nose for covid symptoms.

Babyroobs · 31/07/2021 14:33

@Babyroobs

My ds had a bad headache for 3 days - negative pcr test. I also have a bad headache although that's not unusual for me. I also have a blocked nose wheras it says a runny nose for covid symptoms.

I also suddenly developed this awful pain right round my ribcage last night, which is still ongoing this morning.

OrangeBananaFish · 31/07/2021 14:45

Headache and tiredness was my first symptoms of Covid. I tested positve on LFT and confirmed by PCR. IT wasn't until a couple of days later I lost my sense of smell. No cough, no high temp.

However, 2 weeks later I have finished my isolation and have been testing negative on LFT for a week now, but my headache is still there. It's just not going. Painkillers can help a bit, but not enough to get rid completely. I got some sinus spray so hoping it will help, but I feel worse now than what I did last weekend (when I was still isolating)

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