Headaches are very common during flu season and in fact, it’s one of the most debilitating side effects of a cold or flu. It’s especially difficult in the winter when you go from being warm inside your house or work, to the frigid cold weather outside. But why does this happen and what can you do about it?
There is a theory that headaches triggered by extreme weather are a protective or defensive response because they lead the person to seek a warm location. Another theory is that decreasing barometric pressure leads to an increased risk of headaches.
Flu Headaches
When you have the flu your body is being attacked by a virus, so as a way to protect your body, your immune system elevates your temperature and gives you a fever. Blood vessels become enlarged, increasing the pressure in your head, which give you headaches.
Cold Headaches
Headaches that you get from a cold often happen because of the release of immune response molecules called cytokines. They help protect the body against the virus, but once they are released, they are known to cause headaches.
Sinus Pressure Headaches
Sinus pressure occurs when you have a cold or the flu and it can create swelling and mucus that accumulates in the sinus cavities, which can lead to sinus pain and headaches. This can happen during and even after you think you don’t have a cold or flu anymore.
Depending on what’s causing your headache you can either continue taking cold, flu, sinus pressure medicine, or try a holistic approach. Many times it takes something as simple as covering your head when you go outside to prevent headaches, so make sure you bundle up tight. The best thing you can do is visit your doctor because only he or she will be able to properly diagnose you and rule out anything more serious.