A sore throat is something nearly everyone has experienced at some point. Though it’s most commonly associated with the common cold, it can also be a sign of a viral infection like the flu. Additionally, when caused by the influenza virus, a sore throat is typically accompanied by additional symptoms like fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and fever.
Here's how the influenza virus affects the throat
1. Increased Mucus Production
Once the influenza virus infects the cells lining the respiratory system, the body’s immune system sends white blood cells to the infected area to fight off the virus, causing swelling in the mucosal lining of the throat.
This inflammation leads to a painful sensation in the throat. Meanwhile, the excess mucus produced by the respiratory system drips down the back of the throat, resulting in congestion (the accumulation of mucus or fluid in the nasal or throat passages).
2. Throat Pain from Cough Reflexes
As the influenza virus spreads through the respiratory system, it stimulates the cough reflex in the throat. This reflex is the body’s way of attempting to expel the virus and mucus, but frequent coughing only worsens the pain and discomfort in the throat. The irritation caused by coughing can make the throat feel sore, sometimes resulting in a hoarse voice.
3. Irritation of the Voice Box
The influenza virus can also cause irritation in the airways, including the voice box (larynx), windpipe (trachea), and the tubes that lead to your lungs (bronchi). The area just below the voice box can become narrow, which makes it hard to breathe and leads to a wheezing sound like a seal barking. You might also hear a high-pitched sound when breathing in.
4. Swelling of the Tonsils
As part of your immune system, your tonsils help protect the body by helping to catch viruses before they spread. But sometimes, they can get infected themselves. When that happens, they swell up and swallowing becomes painful. This condition, called tonsillopharyngitis, results in inflammation of both the tonsils and the back of your throat.
5. Secondary Infections and Complications
The flu can sometimes lead to complications, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Bacterial infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, may develop. Pneumonia can cause coughing that worsens throat pain, while bronchitis may lead to mucus buildup that drains into the throat. Additionally, the flu can trigger sinus infections, which can cause throat irritation.
An Aid in Relieving Throat Pain
A sore throat caused by the flu typically last for a few days, although the discomfort can persist longer, depending on the severity of the infection.
Furthermore, while sore throat might improve as the flu runs its course, it can take time for all symptoms to resolve completely. Hydration, rest, and over-the-counter medicines are common ways to help manage throat discomfort during the flu bout.
If you are looking for a solution to aid in relieving your flu-related sore throat, you might want to consider Phenylephrine HCl + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol (Bioflu®).
Taking Phenylephrine HCl + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol (Bioflu®) may be beneficial in the following ways:
- Each Phenylephrine HCl + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol (Bioflu®) tablet contains a combination of Phenylephrine HCl, Chlorphenamine Maleate and Paracetamol. These medicines help reduce the severity and duration of multiple flu symptoms such as fever, body pain, headache, colds, cough from post-nasal drip, and sore throat.
- Phenylephrine HCl + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol (Bioflu®) may start taking effect in as fast as 15 minutes, helping provide prompt relief from flu symptoms for individuals.
- We all know that the flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness that is spread through respiratory droplets. By helping in eliminating sneezing symptoms, a Phenylephrine HCl + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol (Bioflu®) dosage reduces the likelihood of an infected person spreading the virus to others.
- Phenylephrine HCl + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol (Bioflu®) suggested retail price is Php 8.50 per caplet. Adults and children 12 years and older can take 1 tablet every 6 hours or as directed by a doctor.
If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.
For more information on safety, precaution and other information about this product, please visit Phenylephrine HCl + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol (Bioflu®)’s official page.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/sore-throat/about/index.html#:~:text=Viruses%2C%20like%20those%20that%20cause,their%20own%20within%20one%20week.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8274-sore-throat-pharyngitis
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/pharyngitis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459363/#:~:text=Influenza%20is%20an%20acute%20disease,limited%20in%20most%20healthy%20individuals.
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/225362-overview?form=fpf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519550/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/viral-pharyngitis
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sore-throat/
https://www.afcurgentcare.com/grand-junction/blog/can-dehydration-cause-a-sore-throat/#:~:text=In%20some%20cases%2C%20dehydration%20can,and%20ultimately%20a%20sore%20throat.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21146-tonsillitis
