have had/had been having a headache

I have had / have been having a severe headache for the past one week now.

I remember reading that for an illness, we should use 'have had a headache', but a friend of mine told me that 'have been having a headache' is fine if we are referring to a series of headaches.

Is she correct?

Many thanks.

have had - you no longer have it now.
have been having - you've been having it for some time and you are still having it

hope it helps

not a teacher

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tan Elaine

I have had / have been having a severe headache for the past one week now.

I remember reading that for an illness, we should use 'have had a headache', but a friend of mine told me that 'have been having a headache' is fine if we are referring to a series of headaches.

Is she correct?

Many thanks.

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I have had a severe headache. (now I feel better.)__present perfect tense.
I have been having (suffering from) a severe headache for one week week.
(Even now I am suffering from that headache)___present perfect continuous tense.
not a teacher