Updated on October 28, 2024.
Commonly referred to as “the flu,” influenza is a respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. Common symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, and cough. Flu infections are typically more severe than infections caused by common cold viruses, and most healthy people will recover on their own within a week (though the flu can last longer in some cases).
While most healthy people who become infected with the flu do not become severely ill, many people do, and there are many factors that put a person at a greater risk for severe illness and complications. People who are under the age of 2, people who are 65 or older, and people living with a wide variety of medical conditions are all at increased risk.
One of the most significant risk factors for severe illness and complications from the flu is having cardiovascular disease. It’s estimated that half of adults who are hospitalized for the flu in a given year have some form of cardiovascular disease.
What is cardiovascular disease?
Also known as “heart disease” or “heart and blood vessel disease,” cardiovascular disease is a group of conditions that affect how blood moves through the body. Many types of cardiovascular disease are associated with a buildup of arterial plaque—deposits of cholesterol and other substances that stick to the inner walls of blood vessels. The medical term for this is atherosclerosis.
Heart attack, stroke, irregular heart rate/rhythm, problems with heart valve function, high blood pressure, and heart failure (where the heart is no longer able to pump blood effectively) are all examples of cardiovascular disease. There is also congenital heart disease, defects in the structure and/or function of the heart that are present from birth.
Cardiovascular disease is very common. It is the leading cause of death worldwide. It’s estimated that one in five deaths that occur in the United States in a given year are associated with heart disease. The risk of having a heart attack or stroke significantly increases in the week following flu illness. Heart attacks and strokes occur in greater numbers during the winter months, the time of year when flu cases peak in number.
5 strategies to protect your heart during flu season
While cases of flu illness peak in the winter months, flu season typically begins in the fall and can continue into spring. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself from flu and other illnesses:
- Get an annual flu shot. Flu vaccination can prevent flu illness. It can also reduce the severity of illness if you do become infected. Because influenza viruses are always evolving, flu vaccines are updated every year—and you’ll need a flu shot every year.
- Take care of your health. Follow the treatment plan for any health conditions that you are managing, including cardiovascular disease. Focus on eating a nutritious diet, drinking plenty of fluids, getting regular exercise, managing stress, and getting quality sleep.
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly. Thorough hand washing means washing hands for at least 20 seconds, scrubbing vigorously with warm water and soap. Clean your hands with hand sanitizer that is at least 60 percent alcohol if you are unable to wash your hands with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. This will help keep any illness-causing germs out of your body.
- Avoid people who are sick. Also minimize contact with crowds and situations where you are more likely to come in contact with people who are sick. Consider wearing a mask if you need to be in a crowded location.
If you do become ill with flu-like symptoms, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible—remember that people with cardiovascular disease and other health conditions are at risk for severe illness and complications.
Also take steps to avoid spreading the illness to others—wash your hands, wear a mask, cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and avoid contact with others until you are better.
