Let’s have a heart-to-heart about the flu.
What to know
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found a significant association between influenza and heart attack. It identified 364 individuals hospitalized for heart attack, each of whom had been infected with influenza during the previous year. Additional studies have reaffirmed this link—that, while fighting off viral infections like the flu, the body can actually worsen pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
How to prepare
Regardless of if you have a pre-existing heart condition (but especially if you do), you should know these tips by heart to help prepare for flu season.
Supplemental support
These supplements have been suggested to both improve heart health and prevent or reduce symptoms of the flu.
- CoQ10
- vitamin D
- magnesium
Take a breath of fresh air
Since some germs can be passed through the air, improving air quality can help reduce the risk of virus exposure. Spend more time outside, open your doors and windows, run a high-quality air purifier, and invest in particulate-catching plants like dracaenas and spider plants.
Consider a flu shot
According to the American Heart Association, individuals with heart disease are less likely to be hospitalized for heart problems after they have received their flu shot. For the general public, studies have shown that the flu vaccination can reduce the risk of infection by 40% to 60%. The flu shot is a personal choice, but be sure to discuss the benefits and potential risks with a healthcare practitioner to make a decision that’s right for you.
This article was originally published in the September 2024 issue of delicious living magazine.
