The flu, caused by the influenza virus, is defined as a seasonal condition with symptoms such as high fever, severe muscle and joint pain, weakness, chills, headache and dry cough, and is usually not taken seriously. However, it can sometimes pave the way for unpredictable and serious health conditions.

While the flu virus causes pneumonia when it infects the lungs, it can cause a heart condition called myocarditis when it invades the heart. This condition likely to occur after common viral infections such as colds or flu, especially in winter is popularly known as the "heart flu. Prof. Dr. Tuna Katırcıbaşı, Cardiologist, Medline Adana Hospital says heart flu is a rare problem that can lead to serious consequences, making suggestions.

Influenza virus affects the heart muscle

In the medical literature, "heart flu" is referred to as "viral myocarditis," an inflammation of the heart muscle that usually occurs as a result of viral infections. Viruses can cause myocarditis, sometimes by directly infecting the heart muscle or by causing an immune system overreaction. The most common agents include Coxsackieviruses, Adenoviruses, and Influenza viruses.

More common in men

The lungs and heart are among the organs that are more likely to be affected by the flu during the winter months. As a result, the heart flu mainly affects men between the ages of 20 and 50. This is because cardiovascular disease is more common in men than in women, and the male heart is more vulnerable to such disease.

Symptoms are similar to those of the common cold

Heart flu may first exhibit mild cold symptoms. These symptoms are then replaced by shortness of breath, palpitations, and most importantly, stabbing chest pain. In some cases, the underlying heart muscle damage persists even though the flu-like symptoms are gone. In severe cases, these symptoms should not be ignored as they can lead to serious consequences such as heart failure or irregular heart rhythms.

If left untreated, it leads to permanent issues

If left untreated, heart flu can lead to serious problems, including permanent damage to the heart muscle, irregularities in the heart beat, and heart failure. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention without hesitation, especially if severe symptoms occur after a viral infection.

Awareness can be life-saving

It is important to remember that common infections such as the flu can affect the heart as well as the respiratory tract. In fact, cardiac influenza is defined as a serious health problem that can be life-threatening. In this regard, general measures against viral infections should be implemented more rigorously, especially in the winter months.

Here are some recommendations:

• Get the flu vaccine
• Keep your immune system strong
• Practice good hygiene to prevent infection
• Avoid crowded places
• Ventilate indoor spaces frequently
• Practice personal hand hygiene
• Wear a mask
• Do not skip checkups