What Happens to Your Health After Battling the Flu?

Health Points

• A flu diagnosis can increase the risk of a heart attack by six times during the first week.
• Older adults may experience a permanent decline in their ability to perform daily self-care tasks.
• Secondary infections such as pneumonia often target the immune system when it is weakened by the virus.

While many view the flu as a short-term illness, it can have lasting impacts on your heart health and physical strength.

For older adults, recovery often requires more patience and support to return to previous activity levels.

Healthcare professionals emphasize monitoring how your body feels during and after infection.

Gradually reintroducing low-intensity exercise like brisk walking can help restore muscle tone lost during bed rest.

Dr. Sharon Nachman says overdoing it right away can make you feel sicker while your body recovers.