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What to do if…
you develop a new severe headache with nausea after a recent infection

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

A new severe headache with nausea after a recent infection needs same-day medical advice. If it came on suddenly, is extremely painful, or comes with danger signs, call 999 or go to A&E now.

Do not do these things

  • Do not try to sleep it off if the headache is new and severe, getting worse, or comes with repeated vomiting.
  • Do not drive yourself to A&E if you feel very unwell, drowsy, faint, confused, or your symptoms are severe.
  • Do not keep taking extra painkillers to push through severe or unusual pain.
  • Do not take paracetamol at the same time as cold or flu medicines that also contain paracetamol.
  • Do not ignore fever, a rash that does not fade when pressed, confusion, stiff neck, new weakness, or trouble speaking because you recently had an infection.
  • Do not stay alone if you are deteriorating, struggling to think clearly, or repeatedly vomiting.

What to do now

  1. Check now for 999 or A&E signs. Call 999 or go to A&E now if any of these apply:

    • The headache came on suddenly and is extremely painful.
    • It is the worst headache you have ever had, or very different from your usual headaches.
    • You are confused, unusually drowsy, difficult to wake, collapsed, or have had a seizure.
    • You have new weakness, facial droop, speech problems, severe unsteadiness, new memory problems, or new vision loss.
    • You have severe headache with fever, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, or repeated vomiting.
    • You have a rash, red or purple spots, or marks that do not fade when pressed with a clear glass.
    • The severe headache started after a recent head injury.

  2. If none of those apply, still get same-day medical advice. Use the urgent-care route where you are:

    • In England, use NHS 111 online, the NHS App, or call 111.
    • In Scotland, call NHS 24 on 111.
    • In Wales, use NHS 111 Wales or call 111.
    • In Northern Ireland, contact your GP out-of-hours service if your GP surgery is closed.
    • If symptoms worsen while you are arranging help, re-check step 1 and call 999 if any danger signs appear.

  3. Ask someone to stay with you or keep checking on you. Tell them you have a new severe headache with nausea after a recent infection, and ask them to call 999 if you become confused, very drowsy, faint, develop a non-fading rash, or cannot speak clearly.

  4. Write down a short timeline for the clinician:

    • When the infection started and what it seemed to be, such as flu, COVID, sinus, ear, throat, stomach, or another infection.
    • When the headache started, how quickly it became severe, where the pain is, and whether it is getting worse.
    • Whether you have fever, neck stiffness, light sensitivity, rash, confusion, weakness, vision changes, vomiting, or recent head injury.
    • What medicines you have taken today, including cold and flu medicines, paracetamol, ibuprofen, antibiotics, and regular medicines.

  5. Keep the situation safe while you arrange help:

    • Sip water if you can keep fluids down; stop trying to drink large amounts if you are repeatedly vomiting.
    • Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs.
    • Keep medicine packets with you.
    • Do not start leftover antibiotics unless a clinician tells you to.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide whether this is migraine, meningitis, sinus-related, or something else.
  • You do not need to research every possible cause online.
  • You do not need to finish work, study, chores, travel, or social plans before seeking help.
  • You do not need to prove it is serious before asking for same-day medical advice.

Important reassurance

Feeling frightened is understandable when a headache is severe, new, and comes after an infection. Seeking urgent advice is a reasonable safety step, and it helps clinicians decide whether you need emergency care, same-day assessment, or another plan.

Scope note

These are first steps only to help you get assessed quickly and avoid unsafe delays. Later decisions about tests, treatment, medicines, or follow-up may need help from a clinician.

Important note

This is general information, not a diagnosis and not medical or other professional advice. If symptoms are sudden, severe, worsening, or worrying, seek urgent medical help.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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