JOIN USDuring monsoon, heart patients are more prone to flu and the complications that come with it, warns Dr Pradeep Nambiar.
Influenza, commonly shortened to "flu", is an extremely contagious viral disease that appears most frequently in the rainy and winter seasons. While everyone can catch the flu, having heart disease makes it harder to fight off viruses that cause flu. The flu comes on fast and strong, spreading through your upper respiratory tract and sometimes invading your lungs. The flu and other viral infections can create added stress in the body, which can affect your blood pressure, heart rate, and overall heart function. This can make an already unhealthy heart vulnerable.
People with heart disease and those who have had a stroke are at high risk for developing serious complications from the flu. Studies have shown that influenza is associated with an increase of heart attacks and stroke. Studies also show that death from the flu is more common among people with heart disease than among people with any other chronic illness.
The flu also excites the immune system, which can form clots that can rupture in the vessels supplying blood to the heart. This, in turn, can result in a heart attack. Moreover, flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and sweats can also be warning signs of heart disease, thus, it’s become imperative to be sure of what is actually causing the symptoms.
Studies also show that the risk of having a heart attack or stroke doubles after catching respiratory infection such as flu. Researchers believe this may explain why heart attacks and strokes occur more commonly during winter months. Patients with weak heart or suffering from heart disease are also at risk of experiencing flu-related complications such as pneumonia. People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease, and people who are 65 years and older.
Symptoms
* High fever, dry cough and headache are the most common symptoms.
* Severe aches and pains in the joints and muscles
* General weakness
* Flushed skin
* Red, watery eyes
Complications
The most common flu complications that might occur are as follows:
* Viral or bacterial pneumonia
* Muscle inflammation (myositis)* Central nervous system disease * Heart attacks
* Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis)
* Inflammation of the sac around the heart (pericarditis)
* Ear infections and sinus infections
* Congestive heart failure
* Asthma
* Diabetes
Precautions
* People with heart disease or who have had a stroke should get a flu shot. Flu shot is the vaccine given with a needle, usually in the arm.
* Nasal spray vaccine is not recommended for people with heart disease because it's made with live virus that can trigger flu symptoms in people with heart disease.
* The best way to avoid flu is to maintain basic hygiene.
* Stop the spread of flu by covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue away after using it.
* One should wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing or use sanitizer, if soap and water is not available.
* Avoid crowd and stay home when you are sick.
* If you do get sick with flu symptoms, call your doctor and take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.
* Antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious health problems that can result from the flu.
Food concerns
Foods such as milk, cheese, eggs, refined sugar and sweets made from these ingredients, and refined carbohydrates should be completely avoided, particularly during change of weather. These foods weaken the immunity response and can initiate mucous forming. Thus, they increase the risk for upper respiratory complications.
Clogging of upper respiratory system creates an environment for bacteria and viruses to take hold and spread. This puts your immune system at a tremendous disadvantage and makes one much more vulnerable to the cold and flu.
One should eat lots of citrus fruits, which strengthen immunity of the body and help prevent upper respiratory infections. Citrus fruits help in loosening up and preventing excess mucus build-up in the upper respiratory passages. Thus, making it much more difficult for viruses to take hold and spread. In addition, citrus fruits are full of vitamin C and other immune boosting compounds that build body’s cold-and-flu-fighting capacity. Have oranges, grapefruits, pineapples, and leafy greens vegetables. Leafy greens, such as romaine lettuce, are a staple to an immune boosting nutritional diet.
They are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and other nutrients that strengthen immune function and increase the resistance against cold and flu.
Treatment
* Heart patients should avoid decongestants. Studies have proved that decongestants can raise blood pressure and can interfere with heart medications. Decongestants should rarely be used by someone with high blood pressure or heart disease.
* When considering flu treatments, be sure to read the labels. Look for products that are specially formulated for people who have high blood pressure. Flu treatments should be "decongestant-free."
* In addition, before taking any flu treatment, consult your doctor to make sure that your doctors know all of the drugs you're taking, prescription and over-the-counter.
(The writer is a senior consultant in cardiothoracic surgery)