Headache and Muscle Ache: Signs and symptoms
Recognising headaches and muscle aches due to the flu
Headaches and muscle aches are often reported as symptoms of infection with a flu virus, and can sometimes be severe.1,2 It helps to be able to identify these symptoms of the flu, in order to recommend appropriate therapies.
Signs and symptoms
A headache as result of a viral flu infection can be severe and tends to be located around the frontal area of the head, including behind the eyes. Ocular symptoms may also accompany a flu headache, including photophobia, red eyes, epiphora, and a burning sensation of the eyes.3
Muscle aches that present in the flu can range from mild to severe. Such pains tend to present in the back, arms, and legs.3
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Questions to ask your patient
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Ask your patient4:
- When did the headaches and/or muscle aches start?
- Where is the pain located?
- What other symptoms accompany the headaches/muscle aches?
- How severe is the pain?
- What factors, if any, exacerbate the headaches/muscle aches?
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When to refer your patient for further care
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As other serious conditions may mimic flu symptoms, the patient should be referred to a physician for further evaluation if experiencing:
- Severe headache, high fever, neck pain or stiffness, photophobia, or a purpura rash.5
- Severe headache with sudden onset.
- Headache occurring after a head trauma.
- Headache exacerbated by bending over or the Valsalva manoeuvre.6
Understanding headaches and muscle aches
Patient care resources
Access a leaflet for your patients, which can help them understand the causes of headaches and muscle aches, and how best to treat them.
