Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is often dismissed as an unpleasant but⁣ ultimately manageable ⁢respiratory⁢ illness. however, recent research⁢ reveals a far more serious potential consequence: a dramatically heightened⁢ risk⁢ of⁤ both heart attack and stroke in the month ⁢following infection. Understanding this ⁤connection is crucial ⁢for protecting your cardiovascular health, especially during peak flu season.

Researchers ⁣at UCLA investigated the link between influenza infection⁢ and acute cardiovascular ⁢events. Their⁣ findings, published ⁣in late 2024, demonstrate a ⁤considerable and alarming increase in the risk of both heart attack⁤ and stroke during the 30 days following a confirmed flu diagnosis. ⁣Specifically, the study showed⁣ a four-times greater chance of experiencing a myocardial infarction (heart attack) and a five-times⁢ greater chance ⁢of suffering a stroke compared to individuals without a recent flu infection.

This isn't simply a correlation; the research suggests a direct causal link. The inflammatory response triggered by⁤ the ⁤flu virus can destabilize existing atherosclerotic plaques in arteries, increasing the⁢ likelihood of rupture and subsequent blockage,⁢ leading to⁤ either a heart attack or ⁣stroke.