By Tanner Lambson

As the months ahead get colder and drier, here at VCU Health Pauley Heart Center we believe everyone should take steps to prevent the spread of influenza, or “the flu.” The flu is not just a “bad cold”—it’s a serious illness. People who have the flu usually feel some or all of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Chills
• Body aches
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Chills
• Body aches
• Headache
• Nausea
• Fatigue

One signature of the flu is that symptoms tend to come on quickly.

With such a wide array of unpleasant symptoms, catching the flu isn’t fun. Not only that—it can be deadly. As the flu progresses, it can result in pneumonia—an infection of the lungs. Nearly 50,000 people in the United States die from the flu and pneumonia each year. Even worse, the flu poses extra risks for those with heart disease or a history of heart disease.

When your body’s immune system works hard to stave off an infection, you carry a lot of inflammation. This, in turn, causes elevated blood pressure which puts a higher burden on your heart. There is evidence that heart attacks and other heart diseases happen more often in those infected with the flu and are the most common comorbidities of those hospitalized for the flu. This means that if you have the flu, your heart is at risk too.

So what can you do? There are many simple activities and actions you can take to lower the risk of catching the flu (and other diseases) or spreading it to others! These include:

• Washing your hands and forearms. Soap and water work best. If you don’t have those, you can reach for an alcohol-based cleanser like hand sanitizer. Scrub away for 20 or more seconds.
• Stay away from people who are sick, and stay away from others when you’re sick. The flu is spread through the air. Try to avoid contact with those who are infected until their symptoms are improving and they no longer have a fever.
• Get vaccinated. Every year, the flu vaccine is updated to help prevent the most recent strain of the flu virus. In the US, you can receive this vaccine from your health care provider and most local pharmacies. If you have heart disease, it is particularly important that you get a flu shot each year. The flu vaccine is approved for use, and has a strong safety record, in people who have heart disease and those who have had a stroke.

If you do catch the flu, some heart-healthy things you can do to keep yourself safe and comfortable include:

• Drink fluids. Dehydration is possible when you have the flu. Try to keep your body hydrated with water, soup, broth, or tea. Warm liquids are great for clearing out mucus.
• Eat something. It can be hard to eat when you’re tired and nauseous. Try to eat something nutritious, light, and simple to give your body the energy it needs to fight your infection. Fruits, vegetables, crackers, toast, or applesauce are just a few examples.
• Clear those airways. The flu doesn’t just put your heart at risk—your lungs can be affected too. Try taking a warm, steamy shower, or use a humidifier to clear out your airways and breathe better.
• Stay calm and rest! Try and get some rest. Sleep is a crucial part of recovery and repair. If you can’t sleep, do a low-strain activity you enjoy, perform breathing exercises, or meditate. Refraining from strenuous tasks while keeping calm is the best way to prepare for a good night’s rest.

If you have a history of heart disease and you catch the flu, see a doctor right away. This is especially important for those who have had a cardiac event in the last year. A prompt antiviral treatment is crucial to lower your risk of serious heart complications from the flu. Everyone should see a doctor if their symptoms don’t go away or worsen.

As we head into flu season, take these precautions to protect your heart and lungs from the flu. This is particularly crucial if you have a heart condition or suspect that you might have a heart condition, as the flu has the potential to cause further damage.