Catching the flu is never pleasant. When it hits, you expect the usual symptoms—fever, chills, fatigue, and a sore throat. You might assume that you'll bounce back quickly with a little rest. But then, body pain sets in, making everything feel worse. Your muscles ache, your joints feel sore, and discomfort takes over.
So, why does this happen whenever you have the flu? Keep reading to find out.
Inflammation Caused by the Cytokines
When infected with the flu, your immune system releases cytokines to fight the virus. While they help against the virus, they also cause inflammation, leading to muscle, joint, and tissue pain.
Swelling Lymph Nodes
When fighting an infection, white blood cells gather in the lymph nodes, causing them to swell and become tender. This swelling creates pressure and discomfort, often resulting in pain, especially in the neck, armpits, or groin.
Fever and Muscle Stiffness
Fever can reduce blood flow to certain areas, making muscles and joints more prone to cramping or pain. On top of that, fever makes your pain receptors more sensitive.
Dehydration
Symptoms like fever, chills, and sweating can lead to fluid loss. Consequently, being dehydrated affects how your muscles work. Moreover, it throws off your body’s cooling system and affects how muscles contract.
How to Alleviate Body Pain During the Flu
Although body pain during the flu can be unpleasant, there are steps you can take to help alleviate the discomfort:
- Proper Hydration
Drinking plenty of fluids is essential to prevent dehydration and help reduce muscle cramping.
- Rest
Rest is crucial for your body’s recovery. Giving your immune system time to fight the infection can help minimize body pain.
- Warm Baths
A warm bath can help in relieving muscle tension. Adding Epsom salts can also aid in reducing pain in the shoulders, neck, back, and skull.
- Gentle Stretching
Light stretching or yoga can help reduce stiffness and relieve joint discomfort.
- Over-the-Counter Medicines
While home remedies may provide some relief, addressing the flu's underlying cause is key. Though there’s no cure, over-the-counter medicines can help manage symptoms like body pain, making you more comfortable as your body fights the virus.
Dealing with body pain along with the flu? Taking Phenylephrine HCl + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol (Bioflu®) may help provide relief in the following ways:
- Each Phenylephrine HCl + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol (Bioflu®) tablet contains the right combination of Phenylephrine HCl, Chlorphenamine Maleate and Paracetamol.
This medicine helps 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.
- The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness spread through respiratory droplets. By relieving sneezing symptoms, a dose of Phenylephrine HCl + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol (Bioflu®) helps reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others.
Phenylephrine HCl + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol (Bioflu®) suggested retail price is Php 8.50 per caplet.
Suggested Usage:
Adults and children 12 years and older can take 1 tablet every 6 hours or as directed by a doctor.
While body pain is a typical symptom of the flu, it’s important to consult a doctor if the pain becomes severe or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or confusion.
If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.
References:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8310017/
https://news.llu.edu/health-wellness/why-do-muscles-joints-ache-during-flu
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2785020/
https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-flu-and-body-aches-770313
https://news.llu.edu/health-wellness/why-do-muscles-joints-ache-during-flu#:~:text=When%20a%20body%20is%20infected,and%20muscle%20pain%20—%20called%20myalgia.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/why-does-the-flu-cause-body-aches
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279459/
https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/healthu/2022/12/06/why-does-the-flu-cause-body-aches
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/treating-fever-in-adultsTips-to-avoid-dehydration-pain-relief
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23979-viral-arthritis
https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/why-your-whole-body-aches-when-youre-sick-and-what-you-can-do-about-it#:~:text=Full%2Dbody%20aches%20often%20go,a%20thin%20blanket%20or%20sheet.
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/7-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-epsom-salt
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dehydration/swollen-glands
