BATTLING a bout of flu leaves you six times more likely to suffer a heart attack, experts have warned.
And influenza B – or Japanese flu – which is currently doing the rounds, is linked to the greatest risk.
For seven days after falling sick with the virus, patients are more susceptible to a heart attack.
And the findings reinforce just how important it is to have the flu jab, scientists in Canada said.
Dr Jeff Kwong, from Public Health Ontario, said: “Our findings are important because an association between influenza and acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) reinforces the importance of vaccination.”
His warnings come as 8.3million people were thought to be battling flu, the latest figures from online tool FluSurvey revealed.
The latest stats from Public Health England show 120 people across England have lost their lives to flu so far this winter.
Last week more than 4,500 people were admitted to hospital with flu – up 11 per cent on the previous seven days.
More than 60 per cent (2,754) were suffering influenza B, the vast majority caused by Japanese flu.
Another 361 people were admitted with deadly Aussie flu, with 20 fighting for their lives in intensive care, with the H3N2 strain.
Dr Kwong’s team found a “significant” link between flu and heart attack.
They warned the risk is likely to be higher for over 65s, patients with influenza B infections, and those who have never had a heart attack before.
The risk is also there for other respiratory viruses, though flu was the worst.
“Our findings, combined with previous evidence that influenza vaccination reduces cardiovascular events and mortality, support international guidelines that advocate for influenza immunisation in those at high risk of a heart attack,” Dr Kwong said.
His team looked at nearly 20,000 adults who were found to be suffering flu from 2009 to 2014.
They found 332 patients were hospitalised for a heart attack within one year of their flu diagnosis.
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Dr Kwong said: “People at risk of heart disease should take precautions to prevent respiratory infections, and especially influenza, through measures including vaccinations and handwashing.”
The team said patients should go to their doctor if they suffer any signs of heart problems, especially in the first seven days of being hit by flu.