Cold, flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season can bring extra concerns when you’re living with heart disease. People with heart disease are at higher risk of serious complications from flu, and some heart conditions can raise the risk of severe COVID-19. RSV can also worsen conditions such as heart failure.

We reviewed comments from MyHeartDiseaseTeam members about staying healthy during virus season. Strategies that work for one person may not be right for another. For personalized guidance, consult with your healthcare team.

Vaccines are one layer of protection against serious illness. People with cardiovascular disease may face more serious complications from some viruses. Depending on your age, health history, and current recommendations, your care team may discuss flu, COVID-19, RSV, or pneumococcal vaccines.

For some members, getting vaccinated is part of a yearly routine. One member shared, “Flu shots are recommended by my cardiologist every year. His office calls me to be sure I get the shots, which I do around October or November. Got to stay safe and keep it pumping.”

“Flu shots are recommended by my cardiologist every year. His office calls me to be sure I get the shots.”

— A MyHeartDiseaseTeam member

Another member described following a doctor’s guidance for a COVID shot: “I did get the new COVID shot as instructed by my cardiologist. The only side effects I had were tiredness the next day.”

Vaccines don’t prevent every infection, and some MyHeartDiseaseTeam members said they still got sick after being vaccinated. Even so, vaccination can help lower the risk of serious illness for many people. If you have questions about which vaccines are right for you, ask your healthcare professional.

During virus season, washing or sanitizing your hands, improving indoor air quality, and wearing a well-fitting mask can be part of a layered approach to prevention. These steps may be especially useful in crowded indoor settings, clinics, stores, or workplaces where you may be around people who are sick.

One member of MyHeartDiseaseTeam who had cold symptoms planned to take precautions at work: “I caught a cold. Lots of sneezing, nose running, eyes running, headache, teeth hurt on right side. Plan to work tomorrow in the office with a mask and hand cleaning.”

Another member described masking as a way to help stay healthy during virus season: “With … viruses becoming seasonally prevalent, don’t feel embarrassed by wearing a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor places to protect your health.”

“With … viruses becoming seasonally prevalent, don’t feel embarrassed by wearing a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor places to protect your health.”

— A MyHeartDiseaseTeam member

For members with heart disease, masking is not only about personal comfort. It can also be a way to reduce exposure in situations they can’t fully control. You can choose the precautions that fit your health needs, comfort, and circumstances.

Several members said staying healthy sometimes means staying home. That may mean skipping a holiday gathering, postponing an errand, avoiding someone with cold symptoms, or asking sick relatives not to visit.

Current respiratory-virus guidance recommends staying home until symptoms are improving overall and you’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine.

One member supported the idea of avoiding exposure when possible: “Staying well means staying home sometimes. I try so hard to stay away from sick people, but it is not always possible.”

“Staying well means staying home sometimes. I try so hard to stay away from sick people, but it is not always possible.”

— A MyHeartDiseaseTeam member

Another member described making a hard but protective choice on Christmas: “On Christmas Eve, I was so congested, I stayed in my bed all day on Christmas. I did not go to anybody’s house sick. I don’t allow anyone coming to my house sick.”

These decisions can feel lonely or disappointing. But staying home to rest and prevent the spread of illness can be an important health choice.

People living with heart disease often described being careful with over-the-counter medicines. Some products can raise blood pressure, increase fluid retention, affect the heart in other ways, or interact with prescription medicines.

For example, oral decongestants and some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be risky for some people with heart disease or high blood pressure.

One member made this point clearly: “Whenever I get a cold or flu, I get with my doctors before I take anything to make sure the stuff I take won’t counteract with my heart meds and put me in a coma or serious health risk.”

“Whenever I get a cold or flu, I get with my doctors before I take anything to make sure the stuff I take won’t counteract with my heart meds and put me in a coma or serious health risk.”

— A MyHeartDiseaseTeam member

Another member described following up with their primary care physician (PCP) after a more serious illness: “Just getting over 11 days of the flu and pneumonia. … Will have PCP follow up to verify overall health after this nasty flu.”

Health experts recommend being mindful of cold medicines that may affect the heart. It may also help to:

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking a new cold, flu, allergy, or cough product.
• Check the label carefully, especially if the product treats several symptoms.
• Avoid assuming that a product is safe for you because it’s sold without a prescription.

If you have heart disease and develop flu or COVID-19 symptoms, contact your doctor to ask whether antiviral treatment is appropriate. Antivirals work best when started early and can lower the risk of complications in people at higher risk of severe illness.

One member described taking a COVID-19 test after their fever and chills continued, then starting antiviral treatment: “Am taking Paxlovid after much ado since my pharmacy doesn’t carry it. I now know what ‘Paxlovid mouth’ refers to along with its other side effects. But God is good, and this too shall pass, so just taking it as it comes.”

Antiviral treatment isn’t right for everyone, and treatment options can depend on factors such as your health history and other medicines you take. Your healthcare professional can help determine whether an antiviral is appropriate for you.

The Takeaway

Cold, flu, COVID-19, and RSV season can bring extra concerns when you live with heart disease. Taking precautions can help lower your risk of getting sick or developing serious complications, while staying in contact with your healthcare team can help you know what to do if symptoms develop.

Talk with your healthcare team about the precautions that make sense for you, and have a plan for when to reach out if you do get sick. Being prepared can help you know what to do if you develop symptoms.

Join the Conversation

On MyHeartDiseaseTeam, people share their experiences with heart disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

What helps you stay healthy during cold, flu, COVID-19, and RSV season? Let others know in the comments below.