Hyderabad: We experience headaches in our day to day lives due to various reasons. During these times of the COVID-19 pandemic, where rumours have been that headache is a symptom of the novel Coronavirus, Dr Padma Veerapaneni, MD Neurology says: “Only about 13 % of those tested positive for Coronavirus have experienced headaches.
The National Health Service (NHS) has not yet confirmed ‘Headache’ as a symptom of this disease. Although, people with existing headaches may have increased headache or people may have new-onset headaches due to certain reasons”. She suggests the following reasons for headache:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- High fever (associated with coronavirus or any other secondary cause)
- Sleep deprivation
- Altered routines
- Irregular meal time
- Inadequate hydration
- Prolonged use of electronic gadgets
- “Overexposure to screens can cause a migraine headache, cluster headache as well as eyesight problems”, says Dr Padma. Therefore, what can be done to avoid or alleviate these headaches? Dr Padma recommends the following practises:
- Limiting screen time is important
- Take breaks from watching news related to COVID-19
- Practise breathing exercises and meditate
- Avoid consumption of alcohols and other drugs
- Maintain a proper daily routine
- Keep yourself hydrated. Drink plenty of water
- Eat on time and at shorter intervals
- Exercise regularly and practise yoga
- Sleep well
- Keep in touch with your close ones and talk to them about your feelings
Thus, amidst these hard times, in which headache can be a common problem in many people, all the aforementioned activities will help you relieve it. As #IndiaFightsCorona, fight your headache with these practises and stay safe at home.
Also read: Six Nanded returnees test positive for COVID-19; Punjab’s tally reaches 330
