With the continued spread of the health crisis that has sickened more than two million Filipinos, many fear that their dry coughs and sore throats may be a sign of COVID-19. And it is a cause for concern as these two, according to the World Health Organization, are some of the most common symptoms.

While there is currently no cure for COVID-19, it is important to address symptoms as they come in order to offer relief during the recovery process. For sore throat, one of the remedies people can try at the first signs of discomfort is taking lozenges.

Lozenges offer considerable advantage over a gargle

Medicinal Lozenges are one of the Department of Health’s (DOH) recommendations¹ for managing COVID-19 symptoms at home. And, results of a clinical study² suggested that among sore throat product formats, ''lozenges offer considerable advantages over a gargle.'' The same study showed that the proportion of medicine delivered to the throat and mouth combined is greater with the lozenges compared to gargles.

Unlike gargles which are expelled from the mouth, lozenges are kept in the mouth longer, providing a steady supply of medicine to the throat. This results in greater activity in both the mouth and the throat for up to 20 minutes even after the lozenge is completely dissolved. Thus, the study concluded that lozenges provide fast, effective, and prolonged delivery of active ingredients beneficial for sore throat relief.

2-in-1 defense against symptoms of sore throat

Sore throats are a common symptom experienced by people with the virus. Strepsils, a lozenge brand that has been around for almost 50 years, offers relief to sore throat. It provides a 2-in-1 defense by delivering deep-down relief that can last two hours and kill viruses and germs in 60 seconds³.

So, if you are looking for sore throat relief in as fast as 60 seconds, Strepsils offers symptomatic relief to help you feel better. Always follow the health protocols including wearing face masks, observing physical distancing, and frequent hand washing, to help prevent the spread of the virus.

A wide range of products for different sore throat needs

• For mild sore and itchy throat – Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol + Amylmetacresol (Strepsils® Cool Sensation), also available in other flavors such as Honey & Lemon, Orange, Sugar-Free, and Extra Strong
• For moderate pain and irritated throat – Hexylresorcinol (Strepsils® Max)
• For severe, inflamed sore throat – Flurbiprofen (Strepsils® MaxPro)

Strepsils is available in all leading drugstores nationwide and online at Lazada and Shopee. For more information, visit its website.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

ASC Reference Number: R161N011822SS

References:
¹ Limb M, et al. Int J Clin Pract 2009;63:606-12
² Limb M, et al. Int J Clin Pract 2009;63:606-12
³ Oxford JS, Leuwer M. Int J Clin Pract 2011;65:524– 30.