Flu shots: Important if You Have Heart Disease

If you have heart disease, flu season can be a dangerous time. Death from influenza (flu) is more common among people with heart disease than among people with any other chronic condition. Fortunately, getting a flu shot can reduce your risk of catching the flu or developing complications from the flu.

Doctors have long recommended that older adults and other high-risk groups get flu shots, but now emphasize the importance of flu shots for those with heart disease, as well. The flu shot could prevent thousands of flu-related complications and deaths every year in people who have heart disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu is estimated to cause more than 36,000 deaths annually in the United States. In addition, it sends about 200,000 people to the hospital. The rate of flu-related complications is even higher for people with heart disease.

If you have heart disease, you’re at increased risk of complications from the flu — including pneumonia, respiratory failure, heart attack and death. Having the flu can also cause dehydration and worsen pre-existing conditions such as heart failure, diabetes or asthma.

Even if you get the flu despite having a flu shot, you’ll probably have a less severe case of the flu. Getting a flu shot might even lower your risk of a heart attack if you have heart disease.

Flu shots are safe for most people who have heart disease. Get your flu vaccine injected by needle, which is usually done in the arm. Some people develop mild arm soreness at the injection site, a low-grade fever (about 99 F to 100 F, or 37 C to 38 C) or muscle aches. These side effects usually go away within a day or two.

The flu vaccine that is given by nasal spray (FluMist) isn’t recommended for people with heart disease because it’s made with live virus that can trigger flu symptoms in people with heart disease.

You shouldn’t get a flu shot if you’re allergic to eggs, or if you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to the flu vaccine in the past. If you’re sick with a fever at the time you plan to get a flu shot, your doctor may recommend waiting until you feel better to get your flu shot.

If you have heart disease, get the flu shot each fall when it becomes available, usually late September through November. However, if flu shots are still available and you haven’t yet received a vaccination, you’d still benefit from getting a flu shot in January or later. That’s because the flu season doesn’t typically peak until January, February or March.

You don’t have to get your flu shot from your cardiologist. However, the American Heart Association recommends that cardiologists have the flu shot available at their clinics. The flu shot is also available through primary care doctors, some specialists and cardiology clinics, public health departments, and some pharmacies. It’s best to call ahead to determine if vaccine is available and when. Some places may require an appointment.