Recent comprehensive research highlights a stark health warning: contracting common viral infections such as influenza or COVID-19 can dramatically increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes. An extensive review of 155 high-quality academic studies found that these infections may raise the chance of such events by three to five times in the weeks following infection.
Beyond flu and COVID-19, other persistent viruses like HIV, hepatitis C, and the varicella-zoster virus (which causes shingles) are linked to elevated long-term risks of cardiovascular complications. This analysis, published by the American Heart Association, emphasizes the critical role of vaccination in mitigating these risks—especially among people with pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors.
Associate Professor Kosuke Kawai from the University of California, the study’s lead author, explained the significance: “While it’s well known that viruses like HPV and hepatitis B can cause cancer, the connection between viral infections and other chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease is less understood. Our study demonstrates that both acute and chronic viral infections are associated with increased short- and long-term risks of heart attacks and strokes.”
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The researchers initially reviewed over 52,000 studies before selecting 155 for detailed analysis based on their robust design and quality. Their findings showed that in the month following a confirmed influenza infection, individuals were four times more likely to suffer a heart attack and five times more likely to experience a stroke.
For COVID-19, the risk was similarly concerning: people were three times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke within the 14 weeks after infection, with this increased risk persisting for up to a year.
Long-term data revealed that people living with HIV faced a 60% higher risk of heart attacks and a 45% greater risk of strokes over an average span of more than five years. Elevated cardiovascular risks were also noted among those who had hepatitis C or shingles.
Dr. Kawai added, “Although the cardiovascular risks linked to HIV, hepatitis C, and herpes zoster are lower compared to the sharp increase seen after influenza and COVID-19, these risks last longer and are thus clinically significant. Given that shingles affects roughly one in three people during their lifetime, its impact on public health is substantial.”
The researchers acknowledge certain limitations, noting that their findings are based on observational studies rather than controlled clinical trials. Nevertheless, they strongly advocate for vaccination as a key preventive measure against virus-related cardiovascular issues.
Annual flu vaccines, offered free by the NHS each autumn and winter to at-risk groups, play a crucial role in protecting vulnerable populations from severe influenza and its complications. Similarly, winter COVID-19 booster shots are recommended for specific groups to reduce infection and associated cardiovascular risks.
In summary, the study reinforces the importance of viral infection prevention not only to curb infectious disease but also to safeguard heart health.