The flu doesn’t just hit hard — it can strain your heart

Oftentimes, the flu sneaks up on us.

We unexpectedly become feverish, weak and achy with a cough and a nasty sore throat. It’s an unpleasant experience for most that can drag on for at least a week.

“For older people and those with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, the flu is not only uncomfortable, it can be dangerous,” said Aman Ali, MD, a cardiologist with Midwest Cardiovascular Institute and on staff at Endeavor Health Edward Hospital.

Research shows people with a history of heart disease or stroke face a high risk of flu complications, such as pneumonia. Because pneumonia hampers the lungs’ ability to get adequate oxygen into the blood, the heart has to work harder to make up for it.

“The flu and other viral infections can affect blood pressure, heart rate and overall heart function. The flu is even associated with increased risk of stroke,” Dr. Ali said.

Prevention is the best way to protect your heart from the flu:

• Get a flu shot. It will reduce your likelihood of getting sick and may reduce the severity of the flu if you do get sick. Ask about getting a high-dose shot if you are 65 or older. The flu vaccine can reduce flu-associated hospitalizations among adults by about 40 percent. Remember the vaccine won’t be fully effective until about two weeks after vaccination.
• Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face.
• When possible, avoid crowds and people who are sick.
• Get a vaccination for pneumococcal pneumonia, a potentially life-threatening complication of flu, if you’re 65 or older or have certain medical conditions like chronic heart disease.
• Contact your doctor within 48 hours after flu symptoms appear to ask if antiviral drugs would be right for you. These drugs can make symptoms milder and recovery faster.

Adults with heart disease or those who have had a stroke should seek prompt medical attention if they experience any of the following warning signs: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain/pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, persistent vomiting, or flu-like symptoms that improve but return with a fever and worse cough.