Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
I Have COVID19 And Now I M Still Having Headaches
Question: I have COVID19 and now I'm still having headaches . The only real nuisance to me recovering is the headaches and slight sore throat still. My concern about the headaches is I have high blood pressure and hypothyroidism; prediabetes and elevated cholesterol so is there a particular test or something that could be done to make sure that the headaches are coming from the covid and not a blood clot or aneurism or something? The hospital called me today to ask me to come in for the Sotrovimab IV procedure, but I don't know if that will help me with the headaches? I'm taking Tylenol around the clock, but I am very concerned. Any input would be warranted at this point. Thanks
Brief Answer:
Yes there are some options here!
Detailed Answer:
Good afternoon, this is Dr. David G.
I am reading through your inquiry, and I do understand the concern here. This sound very unnerving to say the least.
So, there are some useful tests here that would likely but your mind at ease. You can request either a CT scan of the head or even an MRI of the brain, these will certainly rule out an aneurysm and in the case the MRI it will also exclude blood clot formation. There is also a situation called LONG COVID SYNDROME, which is a situation where the effects of COVID are more persistent. Now this can also be tested for as well here, there is a specific blood test called COVID LONG HAUL PANEL which we order to see if the symptoms of COVID are persisting and causing prolong symptoms.
We do see a lot of persistent headaches with COVID that do tend to last after the majority of other symptoms have resolved, I am sorry to say. Usually, we try the typical over the counter meds like NSAIDS with some relief, but it can be very debilitating.
Please reach back out with any other questions!
Dr. David G - Emergency and Hospital Medicine
Yes there are some options here!
Detailed Answer:
Good afternoon, this is Dr. David G.
I am reading through your inquiry, and I do understand the concern here. This sound very unnerving to say the least.
So, there are some useful tests here that would likely but your mind at ease. You can request either a CT scan of the head or even an MRI of the brain, these will certainly rule out an aneurysm and in the case the MRI it will also exclude blood clot formation. There is also a situation called LONG COVID SYNDROME, which is a situation where the effects of COVID are more persistent. Now this can also be tested for as well here, there is a specific blood test called COVID LONG HAUL PANEL which we order to see if the symptoms of COVID are persisting and causing prolong symptoms.
We do see a lot of persistent headaches with COVID that do tend to last after the majority of other symptoms have resolved, I am sorry to say. Usually, we try the typical over the counter meds like NSAIDS with some relief, but it can be very debilitating.
Please reach back out with any other questions!
Dr. David G - Emergency and Hospital Medicine
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Dr. Girardi,
I truly need your help in deciding should I do Sotrovimab IV procedure? Since being diagnosed with COVID, I am feeling a great deal better other than the headaches and not being able to drink as much as I would like. I don't understand the way the virus actually works so it's hard for me to make an informed decision. I do have high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, pre-diabetes and elevated cholesterol. I feel that I'm getting better, but they are saying I still should do the Sotrovimab IV procedure? What do you think I should do??? Can this procedure hurt me in anyway? Or should I just fight this virus on my own without the antibodies.
Please get back to me as soon as possible. Thanks
I truly need your help in deciding should I do Sotrovimab IV procedure? Since being diagnosed with COVID, I am feeling a great deal better other than the headaches and not being able to drink as much as I would like. I don't understand the way the virus actually works so it's hard for me to make an informed decision. I do have high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, pre-diabetes and elevated cholesterol. I feel that I'm getting better, but they are saying I still should do the Sotrovimab IV procedure? What do you think I should do??? Can this procedure hurt me in anyway? Or should I just fight this virus on my own without the antibodies.
Please get back to me as soon as possible. Thanks
Brief Answer:
Answer
Detailed Answer:
So I do totally understand the concern here, and I don't think this is an easy decision. From my personal opinion, if you are improving on your own accord, I have some hesitancy is trying the IV SOTROVIMAB. Rather I should say that I am not sure that the benefits truly are going to be that much and as this is a newer medication, I do not see a personal reason (at least at this point) to proceed with that. I am not trying to discourage you here, but so long as you are improving independently (even slowly on your own) I do think that this may not be needed. I just do not see a great deal of benefit in patients like yourself with this medication in your situation (namely someone improving on their own albeit slowly). I am someone who likes to err on the side of prudence and caution here and without clear benefits that are going to be obtained using this medication that you would not get by simply waiting it out, I would personally hold off.
Let me know if that helps!
DR. David G
Answer
Detailed Answer:
So I do totally understand the concern here, and I don't think this is an easy decision. From my personal opinion, if you are improving on your own accord, I have some hesitancy is trying the IV SOTROVIMAB. Rather I should say that I am not sure that the benefits truly are going to be that much and as this is a newer medication, I do not see a personal reason (at least at this point) to proceed with that. I am not trying to discourage you here, but so long as you are improving independently (even slowly on your own) I do think that this may not be needed. I just do not see a great deal of benefit in patients like yourself with this medication in your situation (namely someone improving on their own albeit slowly). I am someone who likes to err on the side of prudence and caution here and without clear benefits that are going to be obtained using this medication that you would not get by simply waiting it out, I would personally hold off.
Let me know if that helps!
DR. David G
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Saisudha Kotla
Dr. XXXXXXX G,
Yes, I'm thinking to do the same thing as hold off because I do feel a great deal better. It's just that I did not know to do it or not because I was told it's for mild to moderate symptoms but to be honest with you my symptoms are tolerable it was just the concern that since I have hypertension and hypothyroidism along with pre-diabetes that this virus could attack my system or organs and cause death. I don't know from a medical standpoint if I'm out of danger yet but HOW WOULD I KNOW? IS THERE A WAY TO TELL? my vitals are good, my co2 is running like 97 but I do still have a little headache on and off and small congestion and a little nauseau.... my husband became positive Sunday also but he's fully vaccinated and boostered. My chest xray on the 7th was totally clear. But, if I don't do the IV procedure what would be my plan moving forward? Continue trying to drink fluids, rest and wait about 10 days and get vaccination out what do you feel I should honestly do? Is there any blood test or test i can propose to the doctor to at least see where things are at now or if there is anything i need to be concerned about? Thanks for everything.
Yes, I'm thinking to do the same thing as hold off because I do feel a great deal better. It's just that I did not know to do it or not because I was told it's for mild to moderate symptoms but to be honest with you my symptoms are tolerable it was just the concern that since I have hypertension and hypothyroidism along with pre-diabetes that this virus could attack my system or organs and cause death. I don't know from a medical standpoint if I'm out of danger yet but HOW WOULD I KNOW? IS THERE A WAY TO TELL? my vitals are good, my co2 is running like 97 but I do still have a little headache on and off and small congestion and a little nauseau.... my husband became positive Sunday also but he's fully vaccinated and boostered. My chest xray on the 7th was totally clear. But, if I don't do the IV procedure what would be my plan moving forward? Continue trying to drink fluids, rest and wait about 10 days and get vaccination out what do you feel I should honestly do? Is there any blood test or test i can propose to the doctor to at least see where things are at now or if there is anything i need to be concerned about? Thanks for everything.
Brief Answer:
So several thoughts here.....
Detailed Answer:
Yes, and I do understand your dilemma here. Let me tell what we would objectively look at in the clinic regarding this.
1. So your vital signs and PULSE OX are good!
2. You are clinically feeling better!
3. Your Headache sounds intermittent at best with some mild nausea
4. You are not showing any signs of respiratory decline
From these standards I think holding off is better objectively.
Now you could have them run a COVID TITER to see what your antibody profile is ti see if you are producing adequate antibodies and are responding naturally to fight the infection. Also getting some routine lab work like a CBC and CRP would tell us how much inflammation is occurring throughout the body. Although that is not precise if the Titer shows good antibody levels and your CRP is low, then I would use that as a guide for me personally.
So several thoughts here.....
Detailed Answer:
Yes, and I do understand your dilemma here. Let me tell what we would objectively look at in the clinic regarding this.
1. So your vital signs and PULSE OX are good!
2. You are clinically feeling better!
3. Your Headache sounds intermittent at best with some mild nausea
4. You are not showing any signs of respiratory decline
From these standards I think holding off is better objectively.
Now you could have them run a COVID TITER to see what your antibody profile is ti see if you are producing adequate antibodies and are responding naturally to fight the infection. Also getting some routine lab work like a CBC and CRP would tell us how much inflammation is occurring throughout the body. Although that is not precise if the Titer shows good antibody levels and your CRP is low, then I would use that as a guide for me personally.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Saisudha Kotla
Today he did run a CMP but I don't know if he ran a CRP. I did ask him about running a covid antigen IGG QUANTITATIVE but he said that it would show antibodies because I have Covid And basically dismissed it. How much longer typically is a person in danger of it attacking their organs? So, even though I may have had it the virus since the 29th of January even if it did not show up until the 5th of February I still have to worry about it attacking my organs? When will that concern ever be gone and for how long do people have signs of nausea?
Brief Answer:
Some detail
Detailed Answer:
So in general I don’t think you have any real risk of this causing internal organ damage. You’re not showing any significant clinical symptoms hear your vital signs are all stable and really overall you’re experiencing more mild symptoms and anything else. The Covid IgG level actually can be used to give us at least a rough idea how much protection you have but I do understand your physicians apprehension.There’s really not a great answer here with regard to the duration, I can tell you that most people have the bulk of their clinical symptoms usually in the first 10 to 14 days that probably constitutes 90% of the cases that we see and then after that the symptoms gradually resolved without any long lasting affects.
Some detail
Detailed Answer:
So in general I don’t think you have any real risk of this causing internal organ damage. You’re not showing any significant clinical symptoms hear your vital signs are all stable and really overall you’re experiencing more mild symptoms and anything else. The Covid IgG level actually can be used to give us at least a rough idea how much protection you have but I do understand your physicians apprehension.There’s really not a great answer here with regard to the duration, I can tell you that most people have the bulk of their clinical symptoms usually in the first 10 to 14 days that probably constitutes 90% of the cases that we see and then after that the symptoms gradually resolved without any long lasting affects.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Saisudha Kotla
So, 10 to 14 days for me would be around when if you were doing the math? When do you think I'll be able to test negative again? For some reason I do on and off feel like a little I guess like a pinch feeling on the left breast. What could that be? I was finally able to eat tonight a whole bowl of soup, I whole orange and a16oz of hot peppermint tea. My 02 pulse was 97. Haven't used Tylenol in 2 days. My temp was 98.7. What else can I be doing to make my immune system stronger?
Brief Answer:
See below
Detailed Answer:
I always (to be as safe as possible here) go as the start date, the day of the first significant symtpoms or the COVID Positive day, whichever was first. The pinched nerve sensation I really can not even venture a guess at this point, that is something that to give you any accuracy here, you need to be examined. In reality, regarding the immune system if you are taking Vitamin C 500mg twice daily at least, Zinc Oxide 25mg daily and a multivitamin to get the other nutrients then that is really about it. The fact that your fever is stable and down is very encouraging
See below
Detailed Answer:
I always (to be as safe as possible here) go as the start date, the day of the first significant symtpoms or the COVID Positive day, whichever was first. The pinched nerve sensation I really can not even venture a guess at this point, that is something that to give you any accuracy here, you need to be examined. In reality, regarding the immune system if you are taking Vitamin C 500mg twice daily at least, Zinc Oxide 25mg daily and a multivitamin to get the other nutrients then that is really about it. The fact that your fever is stable and down is very encouraging
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Dr. Yogesh D
Dr. G, Good morning. First of all, I want to thank you for always being here for me because this journey has been really hard. The doctor's nurse called this morning and did if I want to take the Sotrovimab IV the doctor said he can give it to me tomorrow and that would be the last day it would be afforded to me. But, here are my concerns:
1) I may already be passed the 10 days if going from first day of onset of symptoms.
2) my body is feeling so much better so is Sotrovimab
Really going to help at all at this point? Or, will it just complicate things at this point?
3) what protections will I have one taken Sotrovimab for the next 90days since I can't be vaccinated? Considering I can get my 2nd dose of pfizer as soon as I'm finish with isolation etc.
The little bit of discomfort I'm going through with a little nauseau here and there I'm ok with as long as if none of my other organ are being damaged and I don't know.
Is it normal to have a few stolen lymph nodes?
My favorite Dr G now, the bottom line is I don't know what to do now????
1) I may already be passed the 10 days if going from first day of onset of symptoms.
2) my body is feeling so much better so is Sotrovimab
Really going to help at all at this point? Or, will it just complicate things at this point?
3) what protections will I have one taken Sotrovimab for the next 90days since I can't be vaccinated? Considering I can get my 2nd dose of pfizer as soon as I'm finish with isolation etc.
The little bit of discomfort I'm going through with a little nauseau here and there I'm ok with as long as if none of my other organ are being damaged and I don't know.
Is it normal to have a few stolen lymph nodes?
My favorite Dr G now, the bottom line is I don't know what to do now????
Brief Answer:
I do see the struggle here
Detailed Answer:
I am happy to help in way I can, I realize this is alot to take in and process. Always good questions to ask. I do see the decision and it is a tough call.
1. So I do suspect if you are close to or past the 10 days the potential benefit is really going to be marginal at best here, I just see a declining benefit the longer out you go from the infection, aned really after 10 days the benefits are small with this med.
2. Along the same lines since oyu are improving so much and really doing this through your own immunity, I suspect any potential benefits here are going to be really small or noticed at all here.
3. As far as precautions, what I might recommend for you is to after getting your second dose, somewhere 21 days after that, I would recommend you get the COVID TITER levels to see what level of protection to have, I think that is really helpful here in your case. In truth beyond that, the typical measures of masks, hand washing etc are really all that needs done. I would try to stay away from known COVID infected patients but otherwise I really so suspect the current infection will produce significant antibody protection just from this recent event. Really the likelihood of re-contracting COVID in the short term is low here
So, I will say this to you as I would tell any family member of mine, I personally do not see a benefit of the SOTROVIMAB this far out and with your improvement as it is, I doubt any real benefit is going to be seen here. I would avoid it!
My thoughts only here!
I do see the struggle here
Detailed Answer:
I am happy to help in way I can, I realize this is alot to take in and process. Always good questions to ask. I do see the decision and it is a tough call.
1. So I do suspect if you are close to or past the 10 days the potential benefit is really going to be marginal at best here, I just see a declining benefit the longer out you go from the infection, aned really after 10 days the benefits are small with this med.
2. Along the same lines since oyu are improving so much and really doing this through your own immunity, I suspect any potential benefits here are going to be really small or noticed at all here.
3. As far as precautions, what I might recommend for you is to after getting your second dose, somewhere 21 days after that, I would recommend you get the COVID TITER levels to see what level of protection to have, I think that is really helpful here in your case. In truth beyond that, the typical measures of masks, hand washing etc are really all that needs done. I would try to stay away from known COVID infected patients but otherwise I really so suspect the current infection will produce significant antibody protection just from this recent event. Really the likelihood of re-contracting COVID in the short term is low here
So, I will say this to you as I would tell any family member of mine, I personally do not see a benefit of the SOTROVIMAB this far out and with your improvement as it is, I doubt any real benefit is going to be seen here. I would avoid it!
My thoughts only here!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Dr. Yogesh D
Dr G, how do I handle things with my husband being COVID POSITIVE as well. We got it and tested positive at the same time. Should we even be around one another or what should we be doing now? I feel so trapped right now that I just don't know what to do. The doctor is so Adament about saying he feel we got COVID AROUND the 3rd or 4th of February that's why it was positive on the 5th and that's why he would like for us to consider the Sotrovimab. I need this virus out of my body asap and I just don't know how to get it out. Are there no way for me to tell if it's still there potentially causing problems to my organs now and I could be dead next week??? There got to be some way to check something out do something. Also, today I pooped green poop but I have had anything green to eat. What should I do about that or have checked to rule out whatever else it could be? Dr. G, I'm so sorry for all this back and forth but I truly need you now. Your the only person I can really talk to now about this. I'm planning to go to the primary care doctor today is there any test or amen I should be asking for today? Thanks
Brief Answer:
Good point
Detailed Answer:
So the husband issue does impact things here a little, I would in that case, since there is a risk of the 2 of you just passing it back and forth ti each other since one of your will clear the virus faster than the other, in that case the Sotrovimab might be a good idea for you, that will give you enough protection here and speed your recovery.
I will not be around for the next 24-36 hours I am sorry to say, I do apologize but keep me updated. The only lab testing that might help here is getting a CBC and a CMP which would at least tell you that your organ systems are all normally functioning
Good point
Detailed Answer:
So the husband issue does impact things here a little, I would in that case, since there is a risk of the 2 of you just passing it back and forth ti each other since one of your will clear the virus faster than the other, in that case the Sotrovimab might be a good idea for you, that will give you enough protection here and speed your recovery.
I will not be around for the next 24-36 hours I am sorry to say, I do apologize but keep me updated. The only lab testing that might help here is getting a CBC and a CMP which would at least tell you that your organ systems are all normally functioning
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Saisudha Kotla
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
