COVID Headache Relief: What Helps & When to Seek Care

If you have or have had COVID-19 and are struggling with a lingering headache, you’re not alone. COVID headaches are one of the most common symptoms of infection and for some people, they can last long after the fever and cough are gone.

Unlike a typical tension headache, a COVID headache can feel like a deep, constant pressure or throbbing pain across both sides of the head. It may worsen with coughing, movement, or bright light, and can linger long after other symptoms fade.

Researchers believe this is caused by inflammation and irritation of the pain-sensitive nerves surrounding the brain, especially the trigeminal nerve, which also plays a role in migraine pain. At Advanced Medical, our neurology team helps patients understand why these headaches happen and, more importantly, how to get rid of COVID headaches so you can get back to a healthy life.

At-Home COVID Headache Relief Options

COVID headache treatment is similar to most any headache. Many people feel better within a few weeks, even without treatment, but there are a few things you can do to feel better in the meantime. If your symptoms are mild and improving, there are several ways to ease pressure and help your body recover naturally.

Stay hydrated

Fever, sweating, and a reduced appetite can cause you to become dehydrated, which is one of the most common triggers for headaches. Keep fluids within reach and sip throughout the day. Water, clear broths, herbal teas, or electrolyte drinks can all help.

Rest and reduce screen time

COVID headaches often worsen with light sensitivity and eye strain. Give your body and eyes a break by resting in a dark, quiet room and if possible, lower the brightness on your phone or computer. You can also take short naps to help the healing process.

Manage fever and inflammation

Use a cool compress across the forehead or back of the neck to reduce discomfort. A warm compress can help if the pain feels tight or muscular. Some people find added relief through deep breathing or mindfulness exercises, which help calm the nervous system and ease muscle tension.

Over-the-Counter Relief
Most mild to moderate COVID headaches respond to common pain relievers.

If medically acceptable for you, some options include:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol®): Gentle on the stomach; often used for fever or mild pain.
• NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen): May reduce inflammation that contributes to headache pain.

You should always follow dosage guidelines and consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication, especially if you have liver, kidney, or heart conditions, or are taking other prescriptions.

How Long Do COVID Headaches Last?

For most people, a COVID headache improves as the infection clears, which is usually within a few days to a week. However, some patients can develop what’s known as a post-viral or long COVID headaches, which can last weeks or even months.

If your headache:

• Persists beyond 2–3 weeks
• Keeps returning after recovery
• Or changes in intensity or character

…it could be time to speak with a neurologist. Chronic post-COVID headaches often respond best to targeted neurological care, not just over-the-counter remedies.

Why Some COVID Headaches Turn Chronic

For some people, pain relief from over-the-counter medications only lasts for a short time or doesn’t help at all. This may indicate a post-viral headache, a condition seen after other viral infections as well.

In these cases, the nervous system can remain hypersensitive long after the infection clears, creating a lingering “echo” of pain. These headaches could occur daily or nearly every day, fluctuate in intensity, and resist usual pain relievers.

This happens because COVID-related inflammation can disrupt the brain’s normal pain pathways. Inflammation around the trigeminal nerve and blood vessels can “rewire” how pain signals are processed, keeping the nerves in a hyper-alert state even after recovery. It’s a pattern similar to chronic migraine or neuropathic pain.

Several things could contribute to chronic post-COVID headaches, including:

• Ongoing inflammation or immune activity
• Blood vessel changes (vascular inflammation)
• Hormonal or sleep disruption during recovery
• Stress or anxiety related to illness

The good news is that these headaches are treatable. Neurology-based care can help with that.

When to See a Neurologist For COVID Headache Treatment

Most COVID-related headaches improve with rest, hydration and time. However, if you are experiencing pain that lingers, worsens, or feels different than your usual headaches, it’s time to seek expert care.

You should schedule an appointment if your headaches are:

• Severe or sudden, unlike your normal pattern
• Lasting longer than two weeks
• Waking you up at night or interfering with sleep
• Accompanied by dizziness, vision changes, weakness, or “brain fog”
• Linked with nausea, vomiting, or light sensitivity

At Advanced Medical, our neurology team takes a comprehensive approach to COVID headache relief. We start by understanding your full health picture, how long the symptoms have lasted, what triggers or relieves them and how they affect your daily life. From there, we tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs and recovery stage.

Our options may include:

• Neurological evaluation and imaging to rule out other causes
• Migraine-specific medications for pain or prevention
• Nerve blocks or trigger-point injections for stubborn pain
• IV hydration or vitamin therapy to restore balance
• Lifestyle and nutrition guidance to support long-term recovery
• Long COVID management protocols for lingering neurological symptoms

Not every persistent headache after COVID signals a serious problem, and may not even be COVID related, but for many patients, professional treatment makes a life-changing difference. By calming overactive pain pathways and addressing underlying inflammation, our goal is not just to relieve pain, but to restore healthy nerve function and prevent future episodes.

If you are suffering from persistent headaches that haven't improved, or keep coming back, don’t wait it out. We’re here to help you find answers, relief, and lasting balance.Call 347-571-9389 (Queens) or 929-552-2973 (Brooklyn), or book your appointment online to take the next step toward feeling like yourself again.

Frequently Asked Questions About COVID Headache Relief

Why do I get headaches after COVID?

Headaches are caused by inflammation and irritation of the pain-sensitive nerves surrounding the brain, especially the trigeminal nerve. The immune response to infection can make these nerves more sensitive, resulting in pain and pressure.

How do I get rid of COVID headaches fast?

Stay hydrated, rest in a quiet room, manage fever and inflammation, and use over-the-counter medications if safe for you. If headaches last more than two weeks, you should consider seeking neurological evaluation.

What helps with long COVID headaches?

Long COVID headaches often need targeted treatment. Neurologists may recommend migraine medications, nerve blocks, or therapies that reduce nerve hypersensitivity.

Are headaches after COVID normal?

Yes. Headaches are among the most common post-COVID symptoms. They usually resolve with recovery, but persistent or severe pain should be assessed by a specialist.

When should I see a doctor for a COVID headache?

If the pain is severe, lasts longer than two weeks, changes suddenly, or comes with dizziness, vision changes, or neurological symptoms, see a neurologist.