Health Education

Avoiding the Cold and the Flu

March 10, 2018

6 min read

Somaneh Bouba

Flu is still around. The flu virus can leave one feeling weak and unwell. People with heart trouble are more likely to get the flu than people with any other long-term (chronic) illness.

Heart Disease and the Flu

Viral infections like the flu put added stress on the heart patient's body, which can affect blood pressure, heart rate, and overall heart function. Heart attacks and other cardiovascular events happen more often during or immediately after an acute inflammatory illness, such as flu.

For people like me with heart disease, it is very important to do all that we can to avoid getting the flu. Being on the waiting list for a heart transplant, it is crucial not to catch the flu, doctors would not proceed with the procedure if the recipient happens to have an infection.

Staying Well

• Watch what I eat, drink enough fluid (2 litres per day), and rest well
• Stay home when symptoms begin, stay home for 24 hours after fever is gone
• Look out for symptoms: irritated throat, coughs, dehydration and dry mouth
• Take everyday preventive actions: nasal sprays, throat sprays, lozenges
• Keep in touch with care team, call right away if fever develops over 99.5F

Get a Flu Vaccine

Getting the flu vaccination is recommended for people with a chronic heart condition, including heart failure or congenital heart disease. My care team makes sure that I get my shot as soon as possible in anticipation of the flu season.

Thankfully, I have managed to avoid the cold and flu so far. The plan in place seems to be working fine.

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