New Delhi, Wednesday, July 7, 2010: With the increasing number of H1N1 flu cases being reported with the onset of monsoon, people, especially those suffering from heart ailments, need to be extra cautious and take H1N1 vaccine to prevent the viral infection as they face more difficulty in dealing with swine flu than healthy people, according to doctors.
 
Dr Balbir Singh, Director Electrophysiology and Interventional Cardiology, Medanta Medicity said, ''If you have heart disease, you should get the H1N1 flu shot as soon as it is available to you.

Influenza vaccines reduce the risk of dying if you have heart disease, and there is every reason to believe that the H1N1 flu shot will also reduce the risk of death.'' ''Flu produces significant stress on the cardiovascular system. It causes breathing difficulty, changes in blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and even direct effects on the heart which makes this illness particularly difficult, and even dangerous, for someone who has heart disease,'' explained Dr Praveer Agarwal, Cardiologist, Escorts Heart Institute.

If a person develops symptoms suggestive of the flu, he should contact doctor immediately, even before tring any over-the-counter remedies. People with heart failure should be alert to changes in their breathing pattern and should promptly report changes to their doctor.

''If you have chronic heart disease then you are at a greater risk of becoming more seriously ill from swine flu as compared to the general population.'' said Dr Agarwal.

''Also a possibility of a heart attack increases during or immediately after an acute inflammatory illness, such as flu. So if one has a chronic heart condition, including heart failure or congenital heart disease, the person is recommended to get the swine flu shot.'' Dr Balbir pointed out.

In addition to getting the flu shot, people should take the typical precautions to avoid flu. Wash hands frequently with soap and water, or a hand sanitizer. And try to avoid contact with people who appear actively sick. If the H1N1 flu comes to their area in a big way, they must somewhat restrict their activities outside the home, specifically, avoid large crowds, use face mask and make sure it covers both nose and mouth and that it creates as tight a seal all the way around as possible.

Ref: UNI, newKerala