Upper West Side Location Now Open!
Manhattan Cardiology
Do you have heart disease? Take steps to avoid the flu.

It’s possible that getting the flu can increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Get vaccinated against the flu. It is the most effective strategy to protect oneself against the flu and the potential cardiac problems that it might bring.

Do you suffer from heart disease?

Prepare yourself to prevent getting the flu. The flu, also known as influenza, affects millions of individuals each year. The flu has the potential to make a person feel fairly awful. However, if you already have heart problems, the flu might be even more dangerous for you. You are more likely to get sicker from it and it makes any heart issues you do have much worse. Even after the virus has left your body, having the flu might make it more likely that you will experience a heart attack or a sudden stroke.

What can a flu shot do?

The bottom line is that more than half of people who get a flu vaccine won’t get sick. Even if you do end up becoming sick, being vaccinated against influenza may help protect your heart and other organs from complications associated with the illness.

Remember, you cannot get the flu from the vaccine, and when you are vaccinated, the illness is milder and doesn’t last as long. Getting vaccinated is safe and quick. Usually, it takes two weeks after being vaccinated for the medicine to really work.

What else can I do to avoid the flu?

  • Take your heart and other medications regularly
  • Stay active and choose heart-healthy food to strengthen your immune system
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water
  • Avoid close contact with sick people

If you get sick, don’t forget about COVID

If you’re sick or have a fever, stay home for at least 24 hours. When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose, and wear a mask if you need to. This winter, COVID-19 and the flu will be around. Make sure that both of them can’t hurt you. You can get both a flu shot and a COVID shot, or booster, at the same time. If you feel sick and think you might have the flu or COVID, tell your doctor right away.