Getting a flu shot can also help protect your heart
Why getting your flu shot matters even more when you have heart failure. If you’re living with congestive heart failure (CHF), you already know how hard your heart is working. But did you know the flu can make that job even harder? For people with CHF, catching the flu isn’t just about a few days in bed. It can raise your risk of serious complications—like hospital stays, pneumonia, and even heart attacks. The good news? One simple step can help: your yearly flu shot.
‍
đź«€ Why the flu is extra risky for people with CHF
When you have heart failure, your body is already under stress. The flu adds:
- Fever, which makes your heart beat faster
- Inflammation, which can strain your heart
- Dehydration, which affects your blood flow
- Increased oxygen demand, making it harder for your body to breathe and pump blood
All of this can make your heart symptoms worse—or even trigger a crisis.
‍
âś… How the flu shot helps
The flu shot helps your body fight the virus—so even if you get sick, it’s usually milder and shorter. For people with heart failure, that can mean:
- Fewer hospitalizations
- Lower risk of pneumonia
- Lower risk of heart attack or stroke
- Less stress on your heart
The CDC recommends most people with heart disease—including CHF—get a flu shot every year. It’s safe, quick, and often free.Â
‍
⚠️ Check with your provider first if any of these apply
- If you've had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): This rare condition has, in very few cases, followed flu vaccination. It's important to weigh the risks and benefits—talk to your provider first.
- If you're currently very sick (with or without a fever): It's usually best to wait until you've fully recovered. Check with your provider to find the right timing.
- If you have a severe egg allergy: Most people with egg allergies can still get the flu shot safely. There are also egg-free options like Flublok and Flucelvax—but talk to your provider to decide what’s best for you.
‍
đź’¬ Common questions
- Q: Can the flu shot give me the flu?
A: Nope. The flu shot uses a killed or inactivated virus—so it can’t make you sick.
‍ - Q: When should I get it?
A: As early in the flu season as possible—ideally by October, but later is still better than never.
‍ - Q: Can I get it with other vaccines?
A: Yes! You can get your COVID booster or pneumonia shot at the same time.
‍
‍
🧠Don’t wait until it’s too late
Too often, people wait until they feel sick to act—but prevention is powerful. A flu shot takes just a few minutes, and it could save you a hospital trip, or even your life.
‍
‍
đź’™ Final thought
When you protect yourself from the flu, you’re protecting your heart too. If you’re not sure where to get your shot, ask your provider or Scene Health coach—we’ll help you find one nearby.
‍
Helpful Resources:
- CDC – Flu and People with Heart Disease
- American Heart Association – Why Flu Shots Matter
- National Foundation for Infectious Diseases – Vaccines for Adults with Heart Disease
‍
Why getting your flu shot matters even more when you have heart failure. If you’re living with congestive heart failure (CHF), you already know how hard your heart is working. But did you know the flu can make that job even harder? For people with CHF, catching the flu isn’t just about a few days in bed. It can raise your risk of serious complications—like hospital stays, pneumonia, and even heart attacks. The good news? One simple step can help: your yearly flu shot.
‍
đź«€ Why the flu is extra risky for people with CHF
When you have heart failure, your body is already under stress. The flu adds:
- Fever, which makes your heart beat faster
- Inflammation, which can strain your heart
- Dehydration, which affects your blood flow
- Increased oxygen demand, making it harder for your body to breathe and pump blood
All of this can make your heart symptoms worse—or even trigger a crisis.
‍
âś… How the flu shot helps
The flu shot helps your body fight the virus—so even if you get sick, it’s usually milder and shorter. For people with heart failure, that can mean:
- Fewer hospitalizations
- Lower risk of pneumonia
- Lower risk of heart attack or stroke
- Less stress on your heart
The CDC recommends most people with heart disease—including CHF—get a flu shot every year. It’s safe, quick, and often free.Â
‍
⚠️ Check with your provider first if any of these apply
- If you've had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): This rare condition has, in very few cases, followed flu vaccination. It's important to weigh the risks and benefits—talk to your provider first.
- If you're currently very sick (with or without a fever): It's usually best to wait until you've fully recovered. Check with your provider to find the right timing.
- If you have a severe egg allergy: Most people with egg allergies can still get the flu shot safely. There are also egg-free options like Flublok and Flucelvax—but talk to your provider to decide what’s best for you.
‍
đź’¬ Common questions
- Q: Can the flu shot give me the flu?
A: Nope. The flu shot uses a killed or inactivated virus—so it can’t make you sick.
‍ - Q: When should I get it?
A: As early in the flu season as possible—ideally by October, but later is still better than never.
‍ - Q: Can I get it with other vaccines?
A: Yes! You can get your COVID booster or pneumonia shot at the same time.
‍
‍
🧠Don’t wait until it’s too late
Too often, people wait until they feel sick to act—but prevention is powerful. A flu shot takes just a few minutes, and it could save you a hospital trip, or even your life.
‍
‍
đź’™ Final thought
When you protect yourself from the flu, you’re protecting your heart too. If you’re not sure where to get your shot, ask your provider or Scene Health coach—we’ll help you find one nearby.
‍
Helpful Resources:
- CDC – Flu and People with Heart Disease
- American Heart Association – Why Flu Shots Matter
- National Foundation for Infectious Diseases – Vaccines for Adults with Heart Disease
‍
Why getting your flu shot matters even more when you have heart failure. If you’re living with congestive heart failure (CHF), you already know how hard your heart is working. But did you know the flu can make that job even harder? For people with CHF, catching the flu isn’t just about a few days in bed. It can raise your risk of serious complications—like hospital stays, pneumonia, and even heart attacks. The good news? One simple step can help: your yearly flu shot.
‍
đź«€ Why the flu is extra risky for people with CHF
When you have heart failure, your body is already under stress. The flu adds:
- Fever, which makes your heart beat faster
- Inflammation, which can strain your heart
- Dehydration, which affects your blood flow
- Increased oxygen demand, making it harder for your body to breathe and pump blood
All of this can make your heart symptoms worse—or even trigger a crisis.
‍
âś… How the flu shot helps
The flu shot helps your body fight the virus—so even if you get sick, it’s usually milder and shorter. For people with heart failure, that can mean:
- Fewer hospitalizations
- Lower risk of pneumonia
- Lower risk of heart attack or stroke
- Less stress on your heart
The CDC recommends most people with heart disease—including CHF—get a flu shot every year. It’s safe, quick, and often free.Â
‍
⚠️ Check with your provider first if any of these apply
- If you've had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): This rare condition has, in very few cases, followed flu vaccination. It's important to weigh the risks and benefits—talk to your provider first.
- If you're currently very sick (with or without a fever): It's usually best to wait until you've fully recovered. Check with your provider to find the right timing.
- If you have a severe egg allergy: Most people with egg allergies can still get the flu shot safely. There are also egg-free options like Flublok and Flucelvax—but talk to your provider to decide what’s best for you.
‍
đź’¬ Common questions
- Q: Can the flu shot give me the flu?
A: Nope. The flu shot uses a killed or inactivated virus—so it can’t make you sick.
‍ - Q: When should I get it?
A: As early in the flu season as possible—ideally by October, but later is still better than never.
‍ - Q: Can I get it with other vaccines?
A: Yes! You can get your COVID booster or pneumonia shot at the same time.
‍
‍
🧠Don’t wait until it’s too late
Too often, people wait until they feel sick to act—but prevention is powerful. A flu shot takes just a few minutes, and it could save you a hospital trip, or even your life.
‍
‍
đź’™ Final thought
When you protect yourself from the flu, you’re protecting your heart too. If you’re not sure where to get your shot, ask your provider or Scene Health coach—we’ll help you find one nearby.
‍
Helpful Resources:
- CDC – Flu and People with Heart Disease
- American Heart Association – Why Flu Shots Matter
- National Foundation for Infectious Diseases – Vaccines for Adults with Heart Disease
‍
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