It’s as reliable as back-to-school sales, racks of Halloween costumes in stores and displays of decorations that always seem to crop up before you’re ready to think about the holidays. Once winter is on the horizon, it’s hard to go past a pharmacy, grocery store or large retailer without seeing ads for flu shots.
Influenza (flu) vaccines are important for just about everyone since the flu can cause serious illness that may lead to hospitalization and even death. It’s important to get a flu vaccine every year because strains of the flu change over time, and the vaccine protects you from the most common strains going around.
Flu shots should be a top priority for people with heart disease. That’s because heart disease weakens your body and makes it harder to fight off infections like the flu. If you have heart disease and you get the flu, you’re more likely to have severe complications such as worsening heart disease or a heart attack.
Talal Moukabary, MD, a cardiologist with Banner – University Medicine, said that when you get the flu, your body activates a few defensive responses, such as increased breathing rate and heart rate. “People with heart disease have less reserves and may not be able to mount an excellent defensive response.”
He explained more about why flu shots are so important for people with heart disease.
The link between heart disease and flu problems
When you have heart disease, your body has to work harder than usual to keep you healthy. If you get the flu, it adds extra stress to your body. It can:
- Increase your risk of heart attacks: The flu can make your heart work harder and cause inflammation, which can lead to heart attacks. People with heart disease are six times more likely to have a heart attack within a week of a flu infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Make heart failure symptoms worse: With the strain the flu puts on your heart, you may notice more shortness of breath, fatigue and swelling. If symptoms get bad enough you may need treatment in a hospital. The CDC reports that during recent flu seasons, about half of adults hospitalized with flu had heart disease.
- Cause a higher chance of complications: When you have heart disease and you get the flu, you’re more likely to get complications like pneumonia, a serious lung infection that is especially dangerous for people with weaker hearts.
How flu shots can help
“When you get a flu vaccine, you’re less likely to get the flu. And if you do catch it, you’re likely to have a milder case,” Dr. Moukabary said.
Flu vaccination can reduce the risk of heart-related complications by up to 45% in people with heart disease. It also greatly reduces the risk of death.
It’s a good idea to talk to your health care provider before you get your flu shot. Ask any questions you have, share your concerns, see if any medications you take could cause interactions and mention any reactions you’ve had to vaccines in the past.
There are different options and your provider can recommend the flu vaccine that’s best for you:
- Standard dose: Suitable for most people, including people who have chronic health problems.
- High dose: Designed to give people aged 65 and older a stronger immune response.
- Adjuvanted: These also help create a stronger immune response and are recommended for older adults.
- Cell-based: An alternative for people with egg allergies.
- Recombinant: Egg-free options for people with severe egg allergies.
What about side effects?
Flu vaccine side effects are usually mild and clear up quickly. You might notice soreness where you got the shot, a low-grade fever or muscle aches. Side effects are much less severe than flu symptoms and complications. If needed, you can treat side effects with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers.
When to get a flu shot
The best time to get your flu vaccine is early fall, before the end of October. It takes about two weeks for your body to build up immunity, so this timing protects you before flu season starts. But it’s never too late, so don’t skip your shot if you’re past this window.
Other tips for a healthy flu season
Here are some ways to keep yourself healthy during the winter and year-round:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats to strengthen your immune system and help your body fight off infections like the flu.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Get physical activity to keep your heart strong and boost your immune system. Try walking, swimming or yoga for at least 150 minutes a week. Talk to your provider before starting any new exercises, especially if you have heart disease.
- Manage stress to keep it from weakening your immune system and impacting your heart health. Try deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness, hobbies, spending time with loved ones and getting enough sleep.
- Stay up to date with other recommended vaccinations. Talk to your health care provider about other vaccines you may need, such as pneumonia, shingles or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis).
How to protect other people who have heart disease
“If you spend time with anyone who has heart disease, it’s important for you to be vaccinated yourself,” Dr. Moukabary said. That way, you lower the risk of getting the flu yourself and spreading it to others who have a higher risk of complications.
It can also help to take other steps to lower your risk of getting the flu and other contagious illnesses:
- Wash your hands regularly: Use soap and water to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public places, touching surfaces, coughing or sneezing. If you don’t have soap and water, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Stay away from people who are sick: The flu virus and other diseases spread easily from person to person. If someone in your household is sick, try to keep your distance. Don’t share utensils, towels or bedding.
- Stay home when you don’t feel well: Resting and avoiding public places can help contain the virus and protect people at higher risk.
- Wear a mask in crowded places during flu season: Masks help reduce the spread of airborne droplets that can carry the flu virus. They give you an extra layer of protection in crowded or enclosed spaces.
The bottom line
Flu vaccines are important tools that help just about everyone stay healthy. They are especially important if you have heart disease since they lower your risk of dangerous complications, pneumonia, hospitalization and even death.
It’s a good idea to get your flu shot in early fall, but you can get it any time. Many local outlets, including Banner Urgent Care Centers, offer flu vaccines.
Your primary care provider or a Banner Health expert can offer personalized advice for flu vaccines if you have heart disease. Reach out for information today.
