How To Tell If Someone Has The Flu

Headaches

Headaches commonly accompany the flu. Not everyone who gets the flu will have headaches, but the sudden development of a headache might be an early flu symptom. In addition, patients might experience headaches throughout their case of the flu. The headaches might be accompanied by aching in other muscles throughout the body, or they may appear on their own. On top of experiencing generalized pain, individuals might also have an increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli like sounds, lights, and scents. When headaches persist beyond other flu symptoms, they tend to be caused by muscle tension or migraines. Research has shown individuals with chronic migraines tend to experience more intense migraines when they have the flu. This may be due to inflammation of the mucous membranes in the sinuses and nasal passages. The inflammation and increased production of mucus lead to an increase in pressure in the cheeks and forehead. Sometimes this causes a sinus headache by itself, and sometimes the pressure can make an already-existing headache more intense.