Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger

September 29, 2022

What is the connection between the flu and the heart?


Since "it's just the flu," a lot of people think that they don't see the point in getting flu vaccines. They believe that influenza, also known as "the flu," is just a cold that will go away in a few days. Sadly, the flu usually has more severe symptoms than a cold, including worsened coughing, considerably worse aches and fatigue, and a higher fever. Additionally, the impact of the flu on the lungs might result in dangerously low blood oxygen levels. The flu can therefore result in hospitalisation and even death. This is not only a rare occurrence; according to the CDC, the flu caused 140,000 to 710,000 hospitalizations and 12,000 to 52,000 fatalities per year in the United States from 2010 to 2020. In comparison, about 40,000 people pass away in car accidents each year in the United States.

How does flu affect the heart?  The heart is rarely directly infected by the virus. Instead, the virus's negative effects on the heart are caused by atherosclerosis of the heart's arteries. Atherosclerosis affects many people over the age of 50, yet it hasn't always been recognised in some cases. Less oxygen is delivered to the heart muscle as a result of atherosclerosis, which narrows the arteries and lowers blood flow. The flu's impact on the lungs diminishes blood oxygen levels, which further reduces the heart's ability to receive oxygen. A heart attack or cardiac arrest may result from this (sudden death).



Is this risk more than merely theoretical? According to meticulous research, there is a higher risk of heart disease after a flu episode. In one study, nearly 12% of the 80,000 adults who got the flu and were studied had a major heart event like a heart attack during or soon after getting the virus. 

Even though having the flu definitely raises the risk of a heart attack, what's the evidence that getting a flu shot protects against a heart attack? Six randomised studies including more than 9,000 participants were pooled into one study that was published online by JAMA Network Open on April 29, 2022. The protection was considerably stronger in patients who had recently suffered heart disease. Getting the flu shot decreased the chance of a heart attack and related cardiac events by 34%.

Therefore, I concur with your doctor that getting an annual flu shot is crucial given that you have heart disease. The same is valid for those who have a higher risk of developing heart disease, such as those who are older than 60, smokers, or those who have diabetes or high blood pressure. 

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
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“Become A Dutiful Watchman”

Key Verse “So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me” (Ezekiel 33:7). Text —Ezekiel 33:4-9 Message A watchman is a security guard. He helps to ensure the safety of a building or an environment. The story of Rick Rescorla is a good example of a dutiful watchman. He was the head of security for Morgan Stanley in the World Trade Center’s South Tower. He was said to have regularly conducted escape drills with employees which they heeded, thereby saving their lives during the 9/11 attacks in New York. He equally led people down the stairs to safety. It is believed that his being dutiful saved the lives of more than 2,500 employees. He was not only proactive by drilling the employees before the terrible event, he also risked his life to guide many people out to safety. By our text of today, beloved, you are set a watchman. Wherever you are is your duty post until you receive a call to duty elsewhere. Barnabas and Saul were busy with the brethren in the church in Antioch before the Holy Ghost called them to missionary work (Acts 13:1-3). Today is World Day for Safety and Health at Work. Pray as led. Quote Beloved, you are a watchman Challenge Watchman, warn youths and all of the danger of hell. Prayer for today Holy Father, help me to warn the world with your word.
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