Headaches can last 30 minutes, several hours, or sometimes several days.
drink plenty of water
get plenty of rest if you also have a cold or the flu
try to relax – stress can make headaches worse
take paracetamol or ibuprofen
try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you also have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities
do not drink alcohol
do not skip meals (even if you might not feel like eating anything)
do not sleep more than you usually would – it can make the headache worse
do not strain your eyes for a long time – for example, by looking at a screen
You or your child has a severe headache and:
Also get an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if your child is under 12 and has any 1 of the following:
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
You or your child has an extremely painful headache and:
Also call 999 or go to A&E if your child is under 12 and has any 1 of the following:
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
Common causes of headaches include:
Keeping a headache diary might help you work out what triggers your headaches.