You’ve got a packed schedule—work meetings, exams, or perhaps a long-awaited family vacation. You’re eagerly looking forward to all your plans. But then, without warning, you wake up with a dry cough and a pounding headache.
Your flu may feel like it came out of nowhere, but in reality, the influenza virus could have been quietly working its way through your body, early on. In fact, your immune system may have already been fighting it without you even noticing.
How exactly does the influenza virus affect your body?
The influenza virus doesn’t just hit your immune system all at once; it works in stages. Here’s what could happen if you get infected with the flu.
- Influenza Virus Transmission
The influenza virus spreads through tiny respiratory droplets that are released when someone coughs, sneezes, or even talks. You can catch it by breathing in these droplets or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus, like toilet bowls, door knobs, or phones.
- Virus Replication
From the moment you’re exposed, the virus will begin to attach itself to cells in your nose, throat, and lungs. Once the flu virus is inside your body, it will start replicating in your upper and lower respiratory system.
- The Role of the Immune System
As the influenza virus continues to multiply, white blood cells release cytokines (signaling molecules that help fight the infection). However, this immune response also leads to inflammation which causes common flu symptoms including the following:
Sore Throat
A sore throat develops when the flu virus irritates and inflames the lining of your throat. This causes a scratchy, dry sensation that makes swallowing or speaking uncomfortable.
Cough (From Postnasal Drip)
When you have the flu, your body produces excess mucus as part of its response to the infection. This mucus can build up and drip down the back of your throat—a condition known as postnasal drip. This mucus build up often triggers a cough, as your body tries to clear the mucus. You might also feel the constant urge to clear your throat, and experience hoarseness as the irritation continues.
Cold-Like Symptoms
While a “cold” isn’t a symptom itself, cold-like symptoms can show up as part of the flu. These symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and a sore throat.
Fever
Viruses typically thrive at the body's normal temperature. By increasing the temperature (fever), the immune system aims to create an environment that inhibits viral growth.
Body Aches
Body aches occur when the immune system releases chemicals like cytokines to fight the virus. These chemicals trigger inflammation throughout the body, which may cause muscle and joint pain.
Fatigue
The body uses up a lot of energy to defend itself from the virus. This can leave you feeling drained and weak during the peak phase of your Flu.
Dealing with the Symptoms of the Flu
If you are looking for an aid with flu symptoms, you might want to consider Phenylephrine HCl + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol (Bioflu®).
Each Phenylephrine HCl + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol (Bioflu®) tablet contains a combination of Phenylephrine HCl, Chlorphenamine Maleate and Paracetamol.
- Phenylephrine HCl is a nasal decongestant that can help promote easier breathing. It helps in clearing out congested and clogged nasal passages and sinuses. Moreover, it assists in alleviating postnasal drip.
- Chlorphenamine Maleate functions as an antihistamine. It helps address allergy symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and itchy and watery eyes.
- Paracetamol is known to help relieve body pain and lower fevers.
Furthermore, Phenylephrine HCl + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol (Bioflu®) is able to protect respiratory cells from the virus itself. While Phenylephrine HCl + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol (Bioflu®) is not an antiviral drug, its ability to maintain respiratory cell viability while fighting an infection helps protect respiratory cells from the flu virus.
Suggested use of Phenylephrine HCl Chlorphenamine Maleate Paracetamol (Bioflu®) for adults and children 12 years old and above is one (1) tablet orally every six (6) hours, or as recommended by a doctor.
Phenylephrine HCl + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol (Bioflu®) may start taking effect in as fast as 15 minutes.
Disclaimer: Although the Phenylephrine HCl + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol (Bioflu®)'s contents are made specifically to help fight flu, it is still essential to have your individual needs and health conditions evaluated by a physician.
For more information on safety, precaution and other information about this product, please visit Phenylephrine HCl + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol (Bioflu®)’s official page.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
ASC Reference Code: U0234P072425B
References:
Influenza - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Influenza (Flu) > Fact Sheets > Yale Medicine
Flu (Influenza): Causes, Symptoms, Types & Treatment
Influenza (seasonal) -WHO
Flu (Influenza): Causes, Symptoms, Types & Treatment
Influenza - PubMed
A brief review of influenza virus infection - PubMed
Influenza - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Overview of influenza viruses - PubMed
Flu Causes - pennmedicine.org
