Contracting the flu, Covid-19, or similar viral infections can significantly raise the chance of serious heart problems, according to new research. A review of 155 academic studies by the Journal of the American Heart Association found that both influenza and Covid-19 may increase the likelihood of heart attacks or strokes by three to five times in the weeks following infection.Catching The Flu Or COVID-19 Sharply Raises Your Heart RiskA comprehensive review in the Journal of the American Heart Association, which analyzed 155 studies, highlighted the following short-term cardiovascular risks compared with individuals who are not infected:Influenza (Flu): Within the first month after a confirmed infection, the likelihood of experiencing a heart attack can increase up to fourfold, while the risk of stroke may rise fivefold. The greatest danger occurs during the first week.COVID-19: Following infection, the risk of heart attack or stroke roughly triples within 14 weeks, and this heightened risk may persist for as long as a year.Long-Term Risks From Persistent VirusesViruses that last longer in the body, such as HIV, hepatitis C, and varicella zoster (shingles), may also increase the long-term risk of cardiovascular issues. Published by the American Heart Association, the study underlines vaccination as a key way to reduce these risks, particularly for those already at risk of heart disease.Viral Infections and Heart Disease: What Is The Link?Lead author Associate Professor Kosuke Kawai from the University of California explained: "It is well recognised that viruses like HPV and hepatitis B can cause cancer, but the connection between viral infections and other non-communicable diseases, like cardiovascular disease, has been less clear. Our research found both acute and chronic viral infections are linked to short- and long-term risks of heart attacks and strokes."How the Study Was ConductedThe team systematically reviewed all published studies examining links between viral infections and heart attacks or strokes. Out of an initial 52,000 studies, only 155 met the strict criteria for design and quality. Findings revealed that the risk of a heart attack was four times higher and the chance of a stroke five times higher in the month after lab-confirmed influenza.For Covid-19, individuals were three times more likely to experience a heart attack and three times more likely to suffer a stroke within 14 weeks of infection, with risks lasting up to a year.Risks From HIV, Hepatitis C, and ShinglesPeople living with HIV had a 60% higher risk of heart attacks and a 45% higher chance of strokes over more than five years. Elevated risks were also observed for those who had hepatitis C or shingles.Dr Kawai added: "While the long-term cardiovascular risks from HIV, hepatitis C, and shingles are lower than the short-term risk from influenza or Covid-19, they are still significant, especially because they last for years. Shingles alone affects about one in three people, which means a substantial number of excess cardiovascular cases at the population level."Despite the results, the researchers noted limitations, as the study was observational rather than based on controlled trials. Nevertheless, the team highlighted vaccination as a potentially crucial tool for lowering heart-related risks.Who Is Eligible for Flu and Covid-19 Vaccinations?Flu shots protect against influenza, which can be life-threatening for some groups. The NHS offers these vaccines each autumn or early winter to people most at risk of severe complications.From September 1, six primary groups were eligible:Secondary school children (Years 7–11)Children in clinical risk groups aged six months to under 18 yearsPregnant womenChildren aged two or three years as of August 31, 2025Children with certain long-term health conditions (six months to under 18 years)Primary school children (Reception to Year 6)From October 1, eligibility expanded to include:Care home residentsCarers receiving Carer’s Allowance or main carers of elderly/disabled individualsPeople living with immunocompromised individualsFrontline health and social care workersAll adults aged 65 and overAdults aged 18–65 with long-term health conditionsFor Covid-19, health authorities also advise that certain groups receive a winter vaccination this year.
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