People consider the flu as an illness that usually occurs during rainy or chilly days. While this is true, did you know that you can be affected with the flu even when it is warm outside? See why flu cases can strike during the summer months and why you should remain careful during this time of the year.
Possible Summer Flu Causes to Take Note Of
It is important to remember that the viruses responsible for the flu, like influenza A, are prevalent all-year round, especially in a tropical country like the Philippines. This is why someone can be affected with the summer flu and deal with symptoms like fever, body pain, headache, cough, colds, and sore throat.
When the flu-causing virus is prevalent all-year round, people have a higher chance of being around infected people. This can cause the virus to spread easily. The flu
virus can run rampant during the summer through the following:
- Spending more time in closed spaces: In countries with colder climates, “flu season” often occurs during the autumn and winter months. This is because they spend more time indoors to keep themselves warm from the chilly weather.
This may also happen in the Philippines, albeit under different circumstances. Because temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius in March, April, and/or May, people will want to beat the heat and make an effort to head to closed and air-conditioned spaces. By then, they can become exposed to people who are already infected with the flu virus.
- Traveling: Many people, especially families, travel during the summer months to visit new places, gain new experiences, and bond with each other. However, flu-causing viruses circulate all-year round no matter where you go and trigger flu symptoms. Co-passengers in planes, boats, or buses, or guests or employees at chosen accommodations can be possible carriers of flucausing viruses.
How to Treat Summer Flu Symptoms
You don’t want your summer plans to be ruined because of flu symptoms right? One helpful way to prepare for the flu season is through vaccination. Flu vaccines prompt your immune system to produce antibodies that will combat viruses responsible for symptoms.
Aside from being vaccinated, make sure you are armed and ready against the flu with a medicine that helps provide multi-symptom relief like Phenylephrine HCl + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol (Bioflu®). Its three key components may relieve signs of flu:
- Phenylephrine HCl (10 mg): This is a decongestant that helps reduce swelling and obstruction within the nasal passages and sinuses. Phenylephrine HCl may also assist with improving air flow, reducing risk for post-nasal drip that may cause cough, and promoting easier breathing.
- Chlorphenamine Maleate (2 mg): This antihistamine helps relieve symptoms of an allergic reaction like a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy and watery eyes.
- Paracetamol (500 mg): It plays a role in flu treatment by assisting with relief from headaches and fevers.
There are also studies that show that this medicine can help protect respiratory cells against symptoms caused by the common cold and flu virus. More importantly, Phenylephrine HCl + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol (Bioflu®) helps address symptoms like fever, body pain, headache, cough from post-nasal drip, colds, and sore throat.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) based in the U.S. also noted that flu vaccines may help reduce severity of symptoms and lessen the risk of hospitalization and further complications. For Filipinos, the Department of Health (DOH) recommends that people be vaccinated against the flu during the months of February to June.
One (1) tablet of Phenylephrine HCl + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol (Bioflu®) can be taken every six (6) hours or as recommended by a doctor.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
ASC REF CODE: U0025P030923B
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/flushot.htm
https://www.healthline.com/health/summer-flu
https://www.healthline.com/health/flu/importance-of-flu-shot#how-does-it-work
https://www.bangkokpattayahospital.com/en/healthcare-services/internal-medicine-center-en/internal-medicine-health-articles-en/item/154-common-illness-caused-during-rainy-season-en.html https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/summer-flu
https://www.verywellhealth.com/can-you-get-the-flu-in-the-summer-770307
https://doh.gov.ph/Health-Advisory/Influenza
https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/information/climate-philippines
