Ask any Filipino what they think a “trangkaso” looks and feels like, and you will be met with different responses. After all, no two trangkaso experiences are identical, and symptoms can affect people differently. However, if there were to be a common denominator among many trangkaso experiences, it would be the discomfort that one can feel.
Some Filipinos think that a trangkaso is different from a flu, but a quick search on these terms reveals one of the many misconceptions about this illness. Let this guide help you uncover these myths and understand the flu or the trangkaso better, whatever you prefer to call it.
Just a disclaimer, though: the flu-related myths and beliefs do not necessarily reflect the diverse insights or experiences of Filipinos, where the word “flu” has no direct translation or definition in the local languages and dialects.
Myth #1: Flu and Trangkaso Are Two Different Illnesses
The only major difference between the terms “flu” and “trangkaso” is the language. A trangkaso is simply the Tagalog translation for the term “flu.”
Ask any Filipino who may be struggling with the flu or trangkaso about the symptoms they’re feeling, and you’ll most likely be met with responses like a fever, headache, and body pain or heaviness. In some cases, though, people notice a sore throat, cough linked to postnasal drip, and colds.
Three types of influenza viruses are known to cause flu or trangkaso symptoms: types A, B, and C. Among these, types A and B are the most common culprits behind flu symptoms. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the type A influenza virus has even been responsible for flu-related pandemics.
Myth #2: A Fever Is the Only Telltale Sign of This Illness
People often associate a flu or a trangkaso with fever. However, some make the mistake of thinking that a fever is the ONLY symptom of the flu. Typically, a flu-causing virus can also trigger other symptoms like body pain, headache, sore throat, colds, and cough linked to postnasal drip.
The rule of thumb in determining if someone has the flu is to count to two. If you’re experiencing two or more known symptoms, regardless of severity, you may have the flu.
Myth #3: Flu Symptoms Are Mainly Respiratory in Nature
This is another common misconception about the flu or trangkaso. While it is true that the flu virus can cause respiratory symptoms like a cough or a cold, these aren’t the only indicators of this illness. A flu patient can still struggle with a fever, headache, or body pain alongside the mentioned symptoms.
However, if respiratory symptoms come in the form of breathing difficulties or shortness of breath alongside other signs of the flu, this should warrant a visit to the emergency room ASAP.
Myth #4: Flu Viruses Are Only Transmitted by Someone Already Dealing With Symptoms
Some people distance themselves from someone showing flu symptoms because of the risk of high virus transmission. While this is a good call, remember that someone can also spread flu symptom-causing viruses even if they do not exhibit symptoms or feel physically ill yet.
According to research, the virus responsible for the flu can be transmitted one (1) to two (2) days before symptoms show up. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also notes that a person with the flu is most contagious during the first three days of infection. Transmission of viruses that are responsible for flu or trangkaso symptoms can happen when:
- Someone breathes in air droplets containing the viruses, which are released by someone with the flu who sneezes or coughs them out
- Someone touches parts of the skin or surfaces like desks, counters, or doorknobs where air droplets land, and then touches their mouth, nose, and/or eyes.
Flu symptoms can then typically appear one (1) to four (4) days after the virus enters one’s respiratory tract.
Myth #5: Multiple Medicines Are Needed to Address Flu or Trangkaso Symptoms
Each flu or trangkaso symptom can be remedied with medicines that help relieve discomfort and possibly address its root cause. However, why exert too much effort in purchasing multiple medicines and taking note of their intake schedules when you can go for a #KayaAll Formula!
Cover all bases and do not leave any stone (or flu symptoms, in this case) unturned.
Alleviate flu symptoms, such as fever, body pain, headache, colds, cough from postnasal drip, and sore throat, with the help of Phenylephrine HCl Chlorphenamine Maleate Paracetamol (Bioflu®). It contains key components that work in synergy to relieve the mentioned symptoms and even assist with flu virus protection:
- Phenylephrine HCl: This may help reduce swelling and obstruction in the nasal passages and sinuses, improve airflow, promote easier breathing, and lessen postnasal drip that can cause a cough. It can do this since it is a known nasal decongestant.
- Chlorphenamine Maleate: Its antihistamine abilities may help address a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy and watery eyes, all of which are known allergy symptoms.
- Paracetamol: This can help relieve pain and reduce fever temperature.
Phenylephrine HCl Chlorphenamine Maleate Paracetamol (Bioflu®) is available online and in leading drugstores nationwide at a suggested retail price (SRP) of Php8.50 per tablet. Suggested use is one (1) tablet every six (6) hours or as recommended by a doctor.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
References:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)
https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/advanced-reading-types-of-flu-viruses
https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/how-long-flu-contagious
https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/coping-with-flu
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/swine-flu/expert-answers/swine-flu-symptoms/faq-20058379
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep/how-much-sleep
https://www.nfid.org/resource/myths-and-facts-about-influenza-flu/
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention/actions-prevent-flu.html
https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/signs-symptoms/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines/vaccinations.html
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18888-influenza-virus-vaccine-injection
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/docs/PanFluToolkit/Materials%20for%20Staff/Chap%203%20Preventing/Flu%20Myths%20and%20Facts.pdf
